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Exercise Your Brain

Sure, you know the name of your toddler's red-haired buddy from story hour - it's Garrett. But his mom's name is . . . Lia? Tina? And of course you remembered the candles, ice cream, and paper cups for your daughter's birthday party. Too bad you forgot the cake! You're not losing your mind or coming down with early Alzheimer's. But a new study suggests you may have a touch of what the Brits affectionately call "porridge brain."

By Tracy Mayor

Sure, you know the name of your toddler's red-haired buddy from story hour -- it's Garrett. But his mom's name is . . . Lia? Tina? Terry? And, yes, of course you remembered the candles, ice cream, and paper cups for your daughter's birthday party. Too bad you forgot the cake!

You're not losing your mind or coming down with early Alzheimer's. But a new study suggests you may have a touch of what the Brits affectionately call "porridge brain."

Research from neuroscientists at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia suggests that mothers and involved fathers actually become more perceptive, competitive, efficient and socially aware -- all on behalf of their infants. But, while this increase in motherhood-related cognitive tasks may be great for your child, it's not likely to help you find your car keys any faster. Thankfully, a leading memory expert says there's plenty you can do to whip your cerebral cortex back into shape, even with a baby bouncing on one hip.
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