For weeks now, I’ve been trying to recall the name of a landscape architect I worked with a few years ago. I’ve remembered her first name, but her last name continues to elude me, yet I’m sure it’s there — lurking somewhere within the deepest, tallest stacks of my brain’s library.
An aging brain sometimes takes longer to retrieve certain information than it once did. Like many people over the age of 55, my brain’s agility is often, well…on my mind. So when I saw this recent headline in the New York Times, “Pollution May Age the Brain,” I sat up and took notice.
Shifting Gears 
Wow…these conclusions about the effect of particulate air pollution on aging brains are rather definitive…and startling! Have studies found a similar effect on the brains of the very young? In any case, particulate air pollution negatively impacts anyone who breathes (as I learned while working on long-haul flights when passengers were allowed to smoke), and minimizing exposure to it requires collective action. Enter the Mom’s Clean Air Force which probably should be renamed the People’s Clean Air Force since every breather should support it!! Thank you for this post and well-crafted article, Judith, Leslie
Well said Leslie!
Judith, thank you SO much for this. I had no idea. But it absolutely makes sense to me. Frightening.
On the other hand, with more focus on the self and retirement-sans children, etc- perhaps martini hour is extended! Or simply one dives into a new focused adventure – hence a mind fully engaged and less interested in past details. Studies have also shown that the area of the brain that most increases with is that of creativity. Linking ideas and thoughts are vastly increased as we age, with less focus on linear thinking. I can find you the article if you wish Judith
Now where is it?