Learning

The brain only grows when it receives new information. When we learn something new, certain parts of the brain change and grow larger, just like muscles. Our brain forms new connections and makes existing neural pathways stronger. These changes are also known as “Neuroplasticity” [6]. The ability to speak a second language is always beneficial as it can make us more sociable. During pre-Islamic times, a 17-year-old boy traveled with his father in a caravan, learning how adults talk and how to prepare for travel. He listened to the stories. Stories stretched his imagination and created possibilities. He learned how to wield a sword, shoot an arrow, and throw a spear. Why? Because of the rules of war. If he loses the war, he might die. If he survives, his mother and sister could be captured by the enemy the very next day. He did have executive functions. Modern 17 years wouldn’t measure up to him. The prefrontal cortex (executive function) and hippocampus: (memory) are the latest in human development [7]. As per the theory of evolution, what comes first will be the last to go, and what comes last will be the first to go. That makes executive function and memory very vulnerable to disease. The most important areas of the brain are most sensitive to disease. Before we lose memory, we lose executive function [8]. One sign of oncoming dementia is we stop planning. Build extra so we can afford to lose. We should continue learning as adults. Engage in debates and take on various projects. Participate in community service, listen to the wisdom of elders, and gain life-altering lessons. Write handwritten letters in a second language, one to grandma and one to mom. Travel to foreign countries and learn to cook new dishes. Research shows that learning a second language can help prevent dementia [9].