Mark Waldman: In the brainscan/meditation research I do with Andy Newberg, we came to the conclusion that optimism was the #1 best way to exercise the brain, based on 2 longitudinal studies from Mayo and Duke U. Adds 2 years to life.BrainFire  We listed meditation as.Dr. Nussbaum: Prayer has been studied by some folks at Duke and there has been some relationship between prayer on a daily basis and enhanced immune function, prayer and sense of happiness, and prayer and stress reduction. I have not seen a specific study on prayer and cognitive function. On the other side, I continue to be amazed with my patients with late stage AD and their maintained ability and respect for religious practice including prayer.AlvaroF: So perhaps spirituality is a potential avenue towards stress management and optimism. Would other techniques from cognitive therapy to biofeedback be complementary? How do people navigate different options?http://www.healthcaresup.com/brainfire/