My shoes were scuffed with rosy-hued dirt.
My feet were blistered.
And I felt as though Id earned it.
These are the kind of moments that make me feel most alive.
Over the years, Ive often thought that traveling to far-flung places makes me the best version of myself.
I become bolder, more outgoing, and more curious.
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I seek out the back door.
I could practically feel my brain synapses crackling as I challenged myself in new and different ways.
Ive sought out experiences like that ever since my mom died from Alzheimers disease in 2011.
But Im also a proponent of something else: travel as a means to boost brain health.
Butsomedayis never guaranteed, as my family learned.
Along the way, my life expanded to something bigger and bolder than Id ever imagined it could be.
Im under no illusion that traveling will eliminate my chances of developing Alzheimers disease.
But I firmly believe its a tool for a sharper mind and a richer life.
Promising studies indicate that travel and tourism canreduce the risk of dementia.
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Additionally, traveling to beautiful, natural landscapes provides a therapeutic environment that can enhance overall brain function.
The researchers suggest that tourism should be considered as a non-pharmacological intervention to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
He didnt diminish my fear or sugarcoat my risk of developing the disease.
Instead, he suggested that Isupport my cognitive functionby learning a new instrument.
(The latter is part of a largerstudythat examines how brains age and why some people develop dementia.)
So I tried to follow the doctors orders.
I borrowed a guitar from a friend and strummed awkward chords along to YouTube videos.
I plinked Chopsticks and Let It Be on an electronic keyboard.
I finally had to admit to myself that becoming a musician probably wasnt for me.
However, I believe traveling is my version of learning a new instrument.
I studied every darting gecko that crossed my path.
Every part of the process energizes me and helps me feel more engaged with the world.
Im under no illusion that traveling will eliminate my chances of developing Alzheimers disease.
But I also dont dismiss travel as a luxury or an act of frivolity either.
I firmly believe its a tool for a sharper mind and a richer life.
Shes hitched to every place we ever discussed, and she exists in all the locales of our dreams.
Someday, if I keep going, I just might reach her.
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