A Graceful Gift of Brains: The Nun Study

Over the past 30 years, 678  Roman Catholic Nuns have offered a remarkable gift to our knowledge of successful aging: their brains.

In 1986, elderly members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame began participating in a study of aging.  They agreed to annual testing of their mental and physical functions, a variety of medical tests, and finally, the donation of their brain, upon their death… making them the largest brain-donor group in the world.

Unlock Your Brain Health: The Seven Keys of Vibrant, Healthy Aging

A healthy, fit brain is key to vitality, energy and health at any age – tending to its well being becomes especially important as we age.  Having a healthy brain leads to a healthier mind and body, and just like physical fitness, it takes a little extra effort as we get older.

As science progresses, we’ve learned some surprising things about brain health – that it isn’t just a matter of good genes, basic intelligence or a few nutritional supplements, but requires a much more balanced approach, an approach that’s been divided up different ways by different experts.

Here, we’re separating them into 7 different categories, or “The Seven Keys”.  And as an introduction, I thought it would be good to  expand on them all, just a little. So here goes!

The 7 Keys: Unlocking Brain Health.