Dr Michael Valenzuela
The University of New South Wales – Michael was jointly named 2009 NSW Tall Poppy of the Year
Michael’s research has shown that complex mental activity seems to protect the memory centre of our brain, the hippocampus, reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life. He has found two reasons for these results. In the short term, this activity increases a biochemical in the brain which helps protect brain cells from damage. Over the long term, those who stay mentally switched on show less shrinkage of the hippocampus over time.