How Brain Training Can Make You Significantly Smarte r Do you sometimes find it difficult to remember where you left your keys or par...
How Brain Training Can Make You Significantly Smarter
Do you sometimes find it difficult to remember where you left your keys or
parked your car? Perhaps it takes you longer to study for a driving test or
recall the words to a favorite song than it did a few years ago. It's easy to
assume that these types of incidents are just a natural part of the aging
process. Although cognitive decline is associated with age, studies are
beginning to show that training the brain with mental exercises can provide an
increase in mental focus and memory at any age.
Brain Training Can Reverse Mental Decline
In a recent study, targeting regions of a rat's brain that process sound
with certain stimuli caused a decrease in age-related mental impairment. Other
studies have shown that certain types of cognitive training can actually
“rewire” brain circuits. Starting with middle age, gradual changes in the brain
begin to affect mental processing. Due to these recent studies, leading experts
are now beginning to think that this process is no longer permanent and can
perhaps be reversed. As higher numbers of people age with the baby boomer
generation, these findings are encouraging. Scientists are now beginning to study
the effectiveness of different strategies to train the brain and improve mental
function.
How to Train the Brain
Training the brain can be compared to practicing a musical instrument. If
someone stops practicing the piano for a year, that person will notice their
skills on the instrument start to decline. Exercises that allow the brain to
practice memory and cognitive skills effectively will allow the brain to
improve its processing mechanisms and function more efficiently over time. An
innovative new product called Lumosity is a web-based product designed to
enhance memory and attention skills through use of a personalized program to
systematically train your brain. Developed in San Francisco by a team of
neuroscience experts and cognitive psychologists from Stanford, Berkeley and
Columbia, Lumosity uses a variety of games and exercises to improve memory,
attention and cognitive function. The system tracks your progress online,
giving feedback and developing a program for improvement. As you begin to improve,
it systematically modifies the program so that you continue to develop and
enhance your mental skills.
Understanding the Benefits of Training the Brain
Lumosity has been shown in several recent clinical trials to improve basic
cognitive skills. In one recent clinical study, a group of students from 40
different schools participated in a study using Lumosity in the classroom. In
this study, the students who used Lumosity training to supplement their
curricula scored significantly higher on a battery of cognitive assessment
tests than the control group. Other studies have shown than using the Lumosity
program improves math skills as well as sustained visual attention skills. The
Lumosity company says that users have reported sharper memory skills, faster
thinking ability, better concentration, enhanced job performance, increased
confidence and much more.
It's free to set up an account at Lumosity, and a free basic subscription
allows access to a trial of the Lumosity games and features. A subscription
allows full access to all features, including all games, progress tracking
tools and training exercises.
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