Heisz points to Alzheimer’s disease, where losing the ability to find one’s way is among the earliest symptoms, even in the mildest stage of the disease.
“In the absence of active navigation, we risk losing that neural architecture.” Losing your sense of direction is a sign of Alzheimer’s “Modern life may lack the specific cognitive and physical challenges the brain needs to thrive,” says Jennifer Heisz, Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging at McMaster University, in a media release. Unfortunately, the team says these skills fall into a “use it or lose it” situation. Those same brain functions are not always necessary today, however, thanks to GPS apps and food being readily available. The human brain evolved thousands of years ago to adapt to harsh environments by creating new neural pathways, the McMaster team explains. They believe the physical and cognitive demands of orienteering can stimulate parts of the brain our ancient ancestors used for hunting and gathering. In competitive orienteering, the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time.įor older adults, scientists say the sport - which sharpens navigational skills and memory - could become a useful intervention measure to fight off the slow decline related to dementia onset. The aim of orienteering is to navigate between checkpoints or controls marked on a special map.
Researchers at McMaster University say orienteering, an outdoor sport that exercises the mind and body through navigation puzzles, can train the brain and stave off cognitive decline. HAMILTON, Ontario - Turning off Waze or your favorite GPS app and using an old-fashioned map may be the best way to fight Alzheimer’s disease, a new study reveals.
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