MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cognitive training'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:48:53 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960202&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FKL0ko4TEcXU%2F A couple of very interesting recent announcements show (in a military context) how well-targeted brain training can complement and augment existing approaches, both to help “normal” and “clinical” populations, in ways that silo-based, rear-mirror thinking often misses: U.S. Department of Defense Awards $2 Million to Brain Plasticity Inc. to Study Impact of Brain Training for Traumatic Brain Injuries (press release): “Brain Plasticity Inc. (BPI), a technology incubator dedicated to the discovery and development of novel technologies that harness the basic principles of brain plasticity to improve the lives of people with neurological and psychiatric disorders, was recently awarded a $2 million grant from the United States Department of Defense.” “The grant will fund a two-year... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960202 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:21:27 +0100 4960202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934548&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FFQD0FQS_7mw%2F Lumos Labs, the company behind lumosity.com, has raised $32.5 million dollars in a Series C round from Menlo Ventures, FirstMark Capital, Harrison Metal and Norwest Venture Partners. In our 2010 market report Lumos Labs came up as one of the category Leaders given its market and research momentum (not easy for a startup to get clear momentum in either of those dimensions, much less in both of them), so our congratulations to them for now adding such investment traction. This is the largest round of funding so far in the cognitive fitness space so far, and should contribute to the maturity of the field as well as to more innovation and R&D. Description: Lumos Labs is a cog­ni­tive neu­ro­science research and devel­op­ment com­pany that builds soft­ware tools for improv­ing bra... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934548 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:01:51 +0100 4934548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934549&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Furd0ifGFTWU%2F Very interesting new study on computerized cognitive training (or brain training), well summarized in LA Times article Memory training improves intelligence in some children, report says. Quote: The training program used by Jaeggi and co-workers focused on ramping up working memory: the ability to hold in mind a handful of information bits briefly, and to update them as needed. Cognitive scientists consider working memory a key component of intelligence. But they have long debated whether strengthening short-term memory capacity will boost a person’s overall intellectual function, and will do so even after the brain-training sessions are over. It can, and it does, according to this new research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The full study, Short-term... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934549 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:55:54 +0100 4934549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803320&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F75FcWMqfLxc%2F Individuals suffering from schizophrenia show social cognitive deficits, that is difficulties in perceiving and understanding the social world. Research shows that schizophrenia is accompanied by social cognition problems such as problems identifying facial expressions, understanding and responding to social cues (e.g., body language), understanding that others have different mental states and thoughts than oneself (also called Theory of mind). These deficits are usually persistent over time and resist pharmacological treatment. Interestingly, social cognition may be trainable. This recent article reviews the research and shows that social cognitive training programs : produce a moderate to large improvement in the recognition of facial emotions produce a smaller improvement in Theory of ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803320 Mon, 09 May 2011 18:23:19 +0100 4803320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768119&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FB-OzoNkj7bM%2F This article by Greater Good Magazine discusses how med­i­tat­ing can increase the den­sity of gray mat­ter in brain regions asso­ci­ated with mem­ory, stress, and empa­thy.  The Benefits of a One-Time Cognitive Training Program: They last but wane over time as shown in the 3-month follow-up results of the IMPACT study. Can Direct Brain Stimulation Boost Performance? The answer seems to be yes, according to three studies using different types of electrical/magnetic brain stimulation. How the Brain of a Blind Person Rewires Itself: The brain areas devoted to vision in peo­ple with eye sight turn out to be respond­ing to speech in blind people. How are Young Brains Affected by Stress? An interesting article from the Dana Foundation on the consequences of early l... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768119 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:18 +0100 4768119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4747652&cid=t_106996_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2Ffa0J3zFFe7A%2F URL: http://www.premier.net/~gero/contents.html“building a bridge between the past and the future…” Geropsychology Central helps those who are concerned with helping older persons and their families maintain well-being, overcome problems, and achieve maximum potential during later life stages. This site involves people who have particular knowledge, skill, training and experience related to the aging process, and in dealing with older persons and the special issues that affect them. For: Anyone, ConsumersTopics: Behaviour Management, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Fitness, Cognitive Training, Common Factors, Depression, General Psychology, Health Promotion, Health Psychology, Health and Social Services, Life, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Mental Health Promotion, Qual... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4747652 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:00:39 +0100 4747652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742536&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWMn1-gocfY8%2F SharpBrains served a highly thought-provoking and informative 2011 Virtual Summit on Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century over 3 days, March 30th — April 1st. Here is a brief distillation of the large number (40+) of presentations. 1.The range and variety of presentations left no room for doubt that the digital brain health market is concerned with much more than improving cognitive performance and preventing/treating disease. There is a need for many tools in each of the following categories: computerized assessment for myriad cognitive, psychological and neurological concerns; data analysis and recommendation systems; interventions for manifold clinical and non-clinical problems; measurement of the effectiveness of interventions; dynamic feedback and intervention adjustment. Sig... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742536 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:40:06 +0100 4742536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592532&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FCc5NbTKqPmo%2F Do you remember the IMPACT study published in 2009? It was a randomized clinical trial with healthy older adults that compared a computer-based cognitive program that trains audi­tory pro­cess­ing (Brain Fitness Program, Posit Science) with educational video programs (control group). People who used the program improved in the trained tasks, which was not that surprising, but there was also a clear ben­e­fit in audi­tory mem­ory, which wasn’t directly trained. A 2011 paper reports the 3-month follow-up results of the IMPACT study. The 487 participants in the original study were 65 and older. Training was 1 hour a day, 4 to 5 days a week, for a total of 40 hours in 8 to 10 weeks. There was no contact with the researchers between the initial training study and the follow-up study. T... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592532 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:26:01 +0100 4592532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507427&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F3ESQXRW2Tms%2F Cognitive performance can be improved but people vary in their ability to do so. It is not clear yet how to assess who will benefit the most from training and the cognitive tests used in the past were not very good at predicting this.   Dr. Kramer and his colleagues recently showed that the brain activity in a specific part of the brain (the dorsal striatum) at the start of training in a complex video-game could accurately predict how well people will benefit from the training.  Thirty-four young adults with little experience in playing video games were trained to play a complex video game called Space Fortress. After initial instruction, they played the game while their brains were being scanned using fMRI. For the next three to eight weeks (38 days on average) they completed ten two-... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507427 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:33:25 +0100 4507427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399677&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fk7HhdSXLx0w%2F This article from the Washington Post explains how neuroplasticity will help Rep. Gabrielle Giffords recover from her brain injury: brain reorganization after injury is far more common and extensive than previously thought … neuroplasticity depends to a great degree on experience — which is to say, what the brain is forced to do in the critical weeks and months after it is injured. When an area with a specific function is destroyed, the brain first attempts to recruit nearby cells, which are often doing similar tasks, to change and perform the function of the destroyed cells. . 2. In this study, Dr. Yaffe and her colleagues measured risks of Alzheimer’s by measuring beta amyloid (the protein fragment that makes up Alzheimer’s plaque) levels in the blood. They found that the less ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399677 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:07:27 +0100 4399677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304984&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FMS2qn5Ph1As%2F Here is a news digest on brain training to start your stimulating New Year: Brain training games: Do they work? This piece explores the world of computerized brain training software: Who uses them? Are they worth the expense? You can also check out Sharpbrains Program Evaluation checklist to learn about the 10 ques­tions to ask when choosing a brain fit­ness pro­gram. Protect your brain: The new issue for athletes. Learn more about ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), the computerized clinical report which is quickly becoming the norm for high schools and colleges in determining an athlete’s cognitive brain function. For basic information on concussions and concussion-types sport-related damages, click here. Brain training: What’s the “true” pic... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304984 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:49:57 +0100 4304984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298718&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FRkIGbtcxVcQ%2F How can we help younger generations find the right path to lifelong brain health and performance — especially as they will live longer, and in more dynamic, complex environments? We created the Brain Health across the Lifes­pan series to curate reliable sources of information, and here you can  check out  the Top 10 Resources to Better Understand the Teenage Brain. Wishing you and your family a very brain-fit decade…please enjoy the December edition of our monthly eNewsletter: Research Bites Memory Training Reduces Brain Atrophy: Andreas Engvig, a former SharpBrains intern and current neuroscientist, gives us a unique peak into his lab’s work on how mem­ory train­ing can both improve memory performance and decrease brain matter reduction in older adults’ brains. Cognitive ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298718 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:05:22 +0100 4298718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214314&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FDez2pHrB7PU%2F Everyone these days is talking about education and testing reform, but why is relevant brain research often ignored? Which organ if not the brain does the learning and teaching part? Renowned educator and brain expert Dr. Robert Sylwester shares his recommended Top Brain Books for Educators and Learners to help inform the conversation. A must read! Save the Date: the 2011 SharpBrains Summit, the second edition of our annual industry and research conference, will take place virtually from March 28th to March 31st 2010. Details will follow soon. Without further ado…please enjoy the November edition of our monthly eNewsletter: Research Bites Football and brain damage: In high-contact sports such as football, even hits not lead­ing to con­cus­sions can affect the brain. How to take o... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214314 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:33:36 +0100 4214314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152012&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5PVEXty3FV4%2F A study just published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society has been much publicized recently (see for instance, this L.A. Times article). The study showed that a computer-based brain training program succeeded in reducing at-fault car crashes for older drivers. The effects of the training lasted over 6 years. This result made the news as one of the rare transfers of brain training benefits to everyday life.  Why was this training successful and not others? Probably because brain training needs to be specific and not general. If you practice playing baseball you do not expect to get better at playing basketball, right? The same is true of brain functions: If you train your language skills, do not expect to get better at memorizing numbers. Driving is quite automatic for most o... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152012 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:32:16 +0100 4152012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152014&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FN3OunENy05o%2F This study clearly demonstrates that there is only little support for a specific Mozart effect in published as well as in unpublished work. Although results indicate a positive, significant effect of exposure to the Mozart sonata (KV 448) compared to no stimulus at all on spatial task performance, observed effects were only small in size. Moreover, exposure to other musical stimuli compared to exposure to no stimulus at all yielded a significant overall effect of about the same size…On the whole, there is little left that would support the notion of a specific enhancement of spatial task performance through exposure to the Mozart sonata KV 448.” I think the jury is in on this one: The Mozart effect is weak, at best. Maybe the question can finally be put to rest. Does this mean that m... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152014 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:49:09 +0100 4152014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119370&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fb68Qn7NVzbo%2F To help consumers and professionals navigate through the growing number of programs making “brain fitness” or “brain training” claims, we have published this SharpBrains Checklist: 10 Questions to Choose the Right Brain Fitness Program — and a brief explanation of why each question is important: * 1. Are there scientists, ideally neuropsychologists, and a scientific advisory board behind the program? Neuropsychologists specialize in measuring and understanding human cognition and brain structure and function. * 2. Are there published, peer-reviewed scientific papers in PubMed written by those scientists? How many? PubMed is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that includes millions of citations science journals. If a scientist has not published a paper that appear... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119370 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:24:06 +0100 4119370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086391&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FFhw0Xv-nlrw%2F An interesting article in Nature Reviews last month reviewed several studies showing that cognitive intervention can be beneficial even for individuals already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (Buschert et al., 2010). The article shows that patients with mild-to-moderate dementia can benefit from a range of cognitive interventions: from training of partially spared cognitive functions to training on activities of daily living. Results suggest that such interventions can improve global cognition, abilities of daily living and quality of life in these patients. Patients with moderate-to-severe dementia seem to benefit from general engagement in activities that enhance cognitive and social functioning in a non-specific manner. In general, for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086391 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:40:46 +0100 4086391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045224&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FTSN3bNlCxTY%2F Have you read the cover story of the New Scientist this week: Mental muscle: six ways to boost your brain? The article, which includes good information on brain food, the value of meditation, etc., starts by saying that: “Brain training doesn’t work, but there are lots of other ways to give your grey matter a quick boost.” Further in the article you can read “… brain training software has now been consigned to the shelf of technologies that failed to live up to expectations.” Such claims are based on the one study widely publicized earlier this year: the BBC “brain training” experiment, published by Owen et al. (2010) in Nature. What happened to the scientific rigor associated with the New Scientist? As expressed in one of our previous posts: “Once more, claims seem to go... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045224 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:42:52 +0100 4045224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994118&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FebOYCtuF2U4%2F Ask yourself the tough questions: Do you mind your brain? Do you know your noggin’? Can you claim cerebral ownership or is your mental a rental? Although these questions are relevant at virtually all lifespan stages, firm answers can sometimes appear inconceivable.  Unfortunately with advancing age, attention to mental performance is often either abandoned or framed in terms of perceived impairment and decline.  Now, I have previously shared my message on minding the aging brain with SharpBrains readers.  As a cognitive neuropsychiatrist primarily interested in later-life phenomena, I tend to stick to my area of expertise.  Nevertheless, whether you are elder or not, I implore you to take these ideas to heart…do you mind? Just as brain fitness is for all, aging is similarly univers... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994118 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:41:02 +0100 3994118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862102&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FE76ruBRg4FI%2F Brain fitness programs may help weak elderly walk faster (press release) A study led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University has found preliminary evidence that brain fitness programs may help frail elderly walk faster, potentially preventing disability and improving quality of life. For walking while talking — which requires considerably more concentration than normal walking — the seniors who took computer training notably improved compared with their initial speeds. By contrast, no improvement in walking speed was observed for the control group. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862102 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:53:03 +0100 3862102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845187&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FuaJVh6D6qUc%2F I was really interested in the recent critique of the BBC brain training experiment by Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski. I think Owens et al (2010) was a critical piece of research which was not conducted in the right way and was focusing on the wrong sample population.  I totally agree with the comments by Dr. Zelinski regarding the potential for sample bias and the use of some questionable cognitive measures. However, I would like to take this critique further and question whether the study was value for money when there are other studies which cannot achieve funding but would, in my opinion, show the criticism/scepticism of the use-it-or-lose-it theory. I think there is not enough criticism about the age of the sample population used in Owens et al. (2010). We have conclusive cognitive and neuro... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845187 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:14:16 +0100 3845187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714311&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FiGhbnYRh3c8%2F Karolinska Development to divest portfolio company (press release) “Today, Karolinska Development has divested Cogmed, one of Karolinska Development’s portfolio companies, to Pearson where it will become part of Pearson’s Clinical Assessment business.” Why does it make all the sense in the world for a large publisher with heavy educational and clinical operations to acquire a computerized cognitive training company like Cogmed? and, why Pearson? Read more (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714311 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:51:38 +0100 3714311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3610371&cid=t_106996_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2Fcm0Mhn4Y9gg%2F URL: http://www.tbiguide.com/Nearly all of the survivors of a traumatic head injury and their families with whom I have worked have had one complaint: There is nothing written that explains head injury in clear, easy to understand language. Most say the available material is too medical or too difficult to read. The goal of this online book is to better prepare the head injured person and family for the long road ahead. For: AnyoneTopics: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Fitness, Cognitive Training, Depression, Emotional Health, Mental Health, Neurophilosophy, Neuroscience, Quality of Life, Self-help, TraumaFeatures: Information, e-learning, ebookNearly all of the survivors of a traumatic head injury and their families with whom I have worked have ... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3610371 Sat, 29 May 2010 14:59:16 +0100 3610371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595712&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FT38ThbcsgI0%2F Please join us in congratulating USA Hockey, Allstate, and Nationwide, for reaching the podium of the 2010 Brain Fitness Innovation Awards, unveiled today. The podium’s top position went to USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP), a full-time development program aimed at preparing student-athletes for participation on the US National Under-18 and Under-17 Teams, for its innovative cognitive training system designed with the help of Applied Cognitive Engineering (ACE) and the BIRD Foundation to help hockey players develop perception and decision-making skills. More than two years in the making and $2 million to produce, the Hockey IntelliGym offers players a video-game-like training environment to enhance ‘hockey-sense’-the information gathered from surrounding... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595712 Mon, 24 May 2010 19:59:55 +0100 3595712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577452&cid=t_106996_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FfIw1VVg5r-0%2F URL: http://www.cmellc.com/CME LLC promotes the ongoing endeavor to narrow the competency and performance gaps that exist within health care professionals through convenient, high-quality lifelong learning opportunities. Individual activities focus on maintaining, developing, or increasing the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of clinicians to provide effective diagnostic, treatment, and long-term care of patients with the goal of maximizing outcomes and quality of life. For: Clinicians, ResearchersTopics: Clinical Tool Development, Cognitive Training, Common Factors, Design, Psychometrics, Self-help, Treatment PlanningFeatures: CE Activities, Careers, Collaborative News, Information, Links, e-learning CME LLC promotes the ongoing endeavor to narrow the competency and per... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577452 Tue, 18 May 2010 17:00:30 +0100 3577452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566707&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F7PTRT-MRgFE%2F (Editor’s note: SharpBrains Summit attendee Steve Zanon wrote a very insightful comment to our previous post regarding the NIH independent panel on Alzheimer’s/ cognitive decline prevention. We republish comment here for easier access.) In the introductions on day one of the NIH conference Jenifer Croswell from OMAR outlined three different frames of reference and decision making in this context. She mentioned (1) the individual and family based on personal values, (2) community doctors affecting their patients, and (3) recommendations for an entire population of people which should only contain strong evidentiary based information. She indicated that this conference would produce a statement based on the third context and in that respect the panel has done a great job in highl... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566707 Fri, 14 May 2010 23:16:42 +0100 3566707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552426&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FsCwFViMSU2I%2F In conclusion In conclusion, in my opinion, the Owen et al. (2010) study contributes to the literature on computerized brain training, by showing that a substantial number of individuals can be recruited to participate, with a wide range of actual amount of practice, and that transfer as measured did not occur in tasks measured as spans, but did show small effects similar to that of drug effects on the one test measured as number correct. Transfer effects have been observed in studies with older adults as well as younger ones in more controlled research environments; it remains to be seen whether the data collected by the Nature study authors on older adults, which were not included in the published article, will show different results. Obviously, few studies in general have been conducted... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552426 Mon, 10 May 2010 23:11:43 +0100 3552426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508316&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fl3ddrIAAg9w%2F In light of the current BBC-led controversy on whether “brain training” works, we believe it is critical to spend some time discussing the basics of brain functioning and brain-healthy lifestyles, what “brain training” is and isn’t (to be accurate, the BBC didn’t test Brain Training as a category, only the new games that their researchers chose to build from scratch and designate as “brain training” ignoring previous research), what methodologies for brain training are in fact backed up by science (meditation, cognitive therapy, biofeedback, computerized cognitive training) as valuable for a variety of populations and goals, and how consumers and professionals can learn to navigate the growing array of claims. SharpBrains wants to contribute ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508316 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:14:00 +0100 3508316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490742&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWV_7K2JURAU%2F You may already have read the hundreds of media articles today titled “brain training doesn’t work” and similar, based on the BBC “Brain Test Britain” experiment. Once more, claims seem to go beyond the science backing them up … except that in this case it is the researchers, not the developers, who are responsible. Let’s recap what we learned today. The Good Science The study showed that putting together a variety of brain games in one website and asking people who happen to show up to play around for a grand total of 3-4 hours over 6 weeks (10 minutes 3 times a week for 6 weeks) didn’t result in meaningful improvements in cognitive functioning. This is useful information for consumers to know, because in fact there are websites and compani... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490742 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 05:50:29 +0100 3490742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449018&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FRy1y-YiQKd4%2F Marian Diamond, UC-Berkeley: “People frequently do the same level of crossword puzzles to stimulate their brains year after year. They do not challenge their brains with more difficult levels of puzzles. In our research, we showed that if we challenged the rats to reach their food cups by having to climb over many obstructions, their brains increased more than those of rats who could walk unhindered to their food cups. Challenge increased brain size.” Tom Warden, Allstate: “… we see the opportunity that cognitive training provides as just the next evolution of things that we can advocate and get behind that ultimately make for a better driving experience, a safer driving experience for people. Not only for our insureds, but to help the roads be safer for everyone&#... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3449018 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:45:14 +0100 3449018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984847&cid=t_106996_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FZ6IfFtR8Ks8%2F URL: http://www.tsa-usa.org/Founded in 1972 in Bayside New York, the national Tourette Syndrome Association is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field. For: ConsumersTopics: Academia, Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Biological Psychology, Child and Adolescent, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Training, Depression, Educational Psychology, General Psychology, Life, Varied TreatmentsFeatures: Advertising, Articles, Glossary, Information, Links, Research, e-learning Founded in 1972 in Bayside New York, the national Tourette Syndrome Association is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field.  Our mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Touret... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984847 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:11 +0100 2984847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904997&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FL4Vkd6TGdG4%2F We recently run an online survey among subscribers of our monthly eNewsletter, and over 500 people said we have helped them make better personal or professional decisions on how to maintain and improve brain fitness. Most gave very illuminating examples, which we are reading and enjoying as we speak. Respondents also had many good questions to ask, so I have selected 15 common ones, paraphrased/ synthesized them below, and answered them by linking to our most relevant posts and resources. I hope you enjoy the FAQ session. Q: I teach a brain fitness class at my library/ senior center/ school, using much of your info. Can you share some of your presentations? A: Yes, we have just decided to share, using a Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives License, the full presentation of my recen... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904997 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:32:09 +0100 2904997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828348&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FCjhNwYEwB7Q%2F Excellent Scientific American cover story: Turbocharging the Brain--Pills to Make You Smarter? "Will a pill at breakfast improve concentration and memory—and will it do so without long-term detriment to your health?" Their answer, in short: not really, not anytime soon. I couldn't agree more. Let's pay real attention to non-invasive options to augment cognition, from exercise to cognitive training and meditation. For more context, you may enjoy my recent article Preparing Society for the Cognitive Age, published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. augment cognition, cognitive, cognitive enhancement, Cognitive Training, exercise, improve concentration, improve memory, invasive, meditation., pills (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828348 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:35:43 +0100 2828348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602105&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FK6SqC-qPCLo%2F The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety just started to recommend a new driver safety program called DriveSharp (see AAA and Posit Release Program to Improve Drivers' Minds), developed by Posit Science. DriveSharp is a computerized cognitive assessment and training tool based on Karlene Ball's research on older adults' cognitive fitness and driving.  In the press release for the agreement, Peter Kissinger, driver safety research and policy veteran and CEO of the AAA Foundation, says that "Part of making our nation's roads safer is helping mature drivers who wish to stay active - a quickly growing population - maintain or improve their driving safety." We have Peter Kissinger with us to discuss the context for this innovative initiative. Peter, I appreciate your time. In order to s... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602105 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:18:19 +0100 2602105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511976&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F_61B2ooGmnw%2F Given the whole distracting "controversy" of whether Nintendo Brain Age "works" or not, I have started to use the following "brain teasers" in my talks in order to help the audience gain a more useful perspective of what is going on. They worked great both in the Medicare Readmissions Summit in DC a few weeks ago, and at the Games for Heath Conference last week. Q: How many soldiers in the US Army have gone through computerized cognitive testing before being deployed, and why? A: Over 150,000, in order to establish an objective starting baseline and identify potential PTSD and TBI problems upon their return Q: How big is the ongoing investment by OptumHealth, a division of UnitedHealth Group (UNH), in developing computerized cognitive assessments to inform cli... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511976 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:07:33 +0100 2511976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415553&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FKagBc3V3o3w%2F This is a press release that went through the wire earlier today. If you are interested, in attending the conference, you can learn more and register Here Note that below you can find 5 out of the 12 sessions - we will announce the full track tomorrow. To get a 15% off registration fees, you can use discount code: sharp09, when you register. --- The Games for Health Project, organizers of the 5th Annual Games for Health Conference, today announced its first Cognitive Health Track powered by SharpBrains, a leading market research company focused on the brain fitness and the cognitive health market. The Cognitive Health track builds upon previous year's sampling of sessions looking at cognitive health and fitness, expanding to a full two-day track at The Games for Health Conference, June 11-... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415553 Tue, 19 May 2009 00:43:46 +0100 2415553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405708&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fd-4iRGPmGUc%2F Working memory is our ability to store and manipulate information for a brief time. It is typically measured by dual-tasks, where the individual has to remember an item while simultaneously processing a sometimes unrelated piece of information. A widely used working memory task is the reading span task where the individual reads a sentence, verifies it, and then recalls the final word. Individual differences in working memory performance are closely related to a range of academic skills such as reading, spelling, comprehension, and mathematics. Crucially, there is emerging research that working memory predicts learning outcomes independently of IQ. One explanation for the importance of working memory in academic attainment is that because it appears to be relatively unaffected by environme... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405708 Mon, 11 May 2009 00:49:07 +0100 2405708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259393&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_brainsciencepodcast%2Fmedia.libsyn.com%2Fmedia%2Fbrainsciencepodcast%2F54-brainscience-Merzenich.mp3 "Whatever you struggle with in a sense as it stems from your neurology, the inherent plasticity of the brain gives you a basis for improvement. This is a way underutilized and under-appreciated resource that well all have." Dr. Michael Merzenich on the Brain Science Podcast #54, 2/13/09. Recently there has been growing controversy about the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive training programs. As a co-founder of Posit Science, Inc. Dr. Michael Merzenich is a staunch defender of the methods his company uses to validate the programs that they have developed. But for the purposes of this essay, I want to share some of the key ideas we discussed during his recent interview on the Brain Science Podcast. First of all, I asked him to discuss some of the highlights of his long car... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259393 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:28:44 +0100 2259393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207025&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F545523544%2F I wanted to alert you to a very interesting finding published in a recent issue of Science, one of the world's leading scientific journals. The study was led by Dr. Torkel Klingberg and his colleagues from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The goal was to learn whether Working Memory Training is associated with changes in brain biochemistry, thus suggesting a mechanism by which training may lead to enhanced working memory capacity and a reduction in attention problems. Thus, although Working Memory Training has previously shown promising results as a treatment for working memory and attention difficulties, this was a basic science study rather than a treatment study. The major finding was that increased working memory capacity following training was associated with changes in brain bioch... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207025 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:50:52 +0100 2207025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2184042&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F539056946%2F The IMPACT study which we reported on in December 2007, funded by Posit Science, conducted  by the Mayo Clinic and USC Davis, has just announced publication at the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Reference: - Smith et al. A Cognitive Training Program Designed Based on Principles of Brain Plasticity: Results from the Improvement in Memory with Plasticity-based Adaptive Cognitive Training Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, April 2009. Computer Exercises Improve Memory And Attention, Study Suggests (Science Daily) - "The Improvement in Memory with Plasticity-based Adaptive Cognitive Training (IMPACT) study was funded by the Posit Science Corporation, which owns the rights to the Brain Fitness Program, tested in the study." - "Of the 487 healthy adul... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2184042 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:25:52 +0100 2184042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2173830&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F536056048%2F Study Questions Effectiveness Of $80 Million Per Year 'Brain Exercise Products Industry for Elderly (Science Daily) - "There is much research on the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation strategies among elderly who already experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease, as well as on the positive impact of physical exercise. The researchers, however, wanted to evaluate current research that would focus on the impact of cognitive interventions in the healthy elderly population." - "...they concluded that there was no evidence indicating that structured cognitive intervention programs had an impact on the progression of dementia in the healthy elderly population" Comment:  we have not reviewed the analysis yet, so cannot comment in depth. However, just... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2173830 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:10:15 +0100 2173830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121620&cid=t_106996_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F01%2F20%2Fsharpen-the-brain-with-this-list-of-top-brain-fitness-and-cognitive-health-books%2F If you’re looking for a little light reading, then this list won’t do. This list is for those of us who are looking to learn more about the brain and brain fitness. Originally posted at Sharp Brains, the 10 Most Popular Brain Fitness & Cognitive Health Books list made it’s way to the Huffington Post, adding another book along the way. If you want to find out why these 10 11 are the chosen ones, head over to either of those two sites. I’m just posting the covers of the books so that when you see them at your favorite book store, you’ll know that they’re the ones you are looking for. Happy reading… Tags: books, brain, brain books, brain exercises, brain fitness, cognitive training, reading lists, sharp brainShare This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121620 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:03:00 +0100 2121620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053747&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F489099510%2F "USA Hockey Inc., is the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey in the United States. As such, its mission is to promote the growth of hockey and provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing and administering the sport." Why do we talk about ice hockey in a  brain fitness blog? Well, we recently announced this very innovative initiative, and now can offer more context: USA Hockey and Intelligym: - "USA Hockey, with partners ACE (Applied Cognitive Engineering) and the BIRD (Binational Industrial Research and Development) Foundation, have announced plans to develop a revolutionary product that will, for the first time ever, provide players a training tool to develop “hockey sense.” - "To be called Hockey... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053747 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:43:31 +0100 2053747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1889209&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F424916302%2F Michael I. Posner is a prominent scientist in the field of cognitive neuroscience. He is currently an emeritus professor of neuroscience at the University of Oregon (Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive and Decision Sciences). In August 2008, the International Union of Psychological Science made him the first recipient of the Dogan Prize "in recognition of a contribution that represents a major advance in psychology by a scholar or team of scholars of high international reputation." Dr. Posner, many thanks for your time today. I really enjoyed the James Arthur Lecture monograph on Evolution and Development of Self-Regulation that you delivered last year. Could you provide a summary of the research you presented? I would emphasize that we human beings can regulate our ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1889209 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:28:03 +0100 1889209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1871341&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F419120348%2F A reader and writer sent us over the weekend the article below as "an OpEd submission". We are not a newspaper, and don't have a formal OpEd section, but are delighted to publish thoughtful, research-based pieces on topics related to lifelong cognitive development and health. Here you are: ---- Philosophy as the Missing Link – An Eye-Opening Audit of Our School’s Curriculum By: Kimberly Wickham The question might be asked, “Why would anyone want to teach philosophy to pre-adolescent children?” but there are very good reasons why one might want to take on such a lofty task. I am not suggesting that the history of philosophy would be particularly pertinent for a young child to learn, but there is substantial evidence to support the development of an already natural tendency... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1871341 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:27:35 +0100 1871341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1852786&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F410658487%2F This report is interesting and it addresses many very important questions that cognitive neuropsychologists, such as myself have. I feel that many of the products on the market now make claims which are generally unsubstantiated. I find it concerning that many of these programmes have been marketed to target older adults in particular without making any specific statement on whether the activities are beneficial and have been supported with empirical research. i have recently conducted a cognitive intervention study which used a large array of outcome measures which focus on a number of different cognitive functions. The measures investigated both objective and subjective behaviours. The results confirmed that attempting cryptic crosswords for one hour per day increased subjective awarenes... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1852786 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:18:28 +0100 1852786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1848355&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F408387719%2F Insurance company Allstate and brain fitness software developer Posit Science just announced (see press release Protecting Pennsylvania Drivers, One Brain at a Time) a very intelligent initiative: Video exercises aid driving skills (Chicago Tribune) -"Allstate, which called the Posit program "potentially the next big breakthrough in automobile safety," said it expects its software exercises to reduce risky driving maneuvers by up to 40 percent and improve stopping distance by an average of 22 feet when traveling at 55 miles per hour." -"We'll look to see whether over the next six to nine months there will be a reduction in" the number of accidents between the group participating in the video exercises and those sitting out, said Tom Warden, assistant vice pres... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1848355 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:43:57 +0100 1848355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734637&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F374851157%2F Here are the dates and locations of some upcoming events where I will be presenting. Please introduce yourself if you are attending! >> September 4-5th, San Francisco, CA: several Brain Health Promotion sessions, at the American Society on Aging conference. >> October 11th, San Jose, CA: The Science and Practice of Brain Fitness, at San Jose State University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. (Information here). >> October 23rd, Pocatello, Idaho: Cognitive and Emotional Training for Healthy Aging, at the Idaho Conference on Health Care. (Information here). >> November 1st, Berkeley, CA: The Science and Practice of Brain Fitness, at UC-Berkeley's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. (Information here). >> November 7-9th, Dubai: Global Agenda Councils Inaugural Summit in Dubai, organized by... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734637 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:29:58 +0100 1734637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730854&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F373515207%2F There were a few interesting research papers presented at the last  American Psychological Association conventions around the theme: Playing Video Games Offers Learning Across Life Span, Say Studies Skills Transfer to Classroom, Surgical Procedures, Scientific Thinking (press release). Probably the most interesting study was that of 303 laparoscopic surgeons, which "showed that surgeons who played video games requiring spatial skills and hand dexterity and then performed a drill testing these skills were significantly faster at their first attempt and across all 10 trials than the surgeons who did not the play video games first." The note goes further to explain the implications from this research: "The big picture is that there are several dimensions on which games have ef... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730854 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:05:45 +0100 1730854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1723969&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F370226149%2F Interesting market news: Dakim’s [m]Power Adopted by 150 Senior Living Communities ... (Business Wire) - "Dakim Inc. announced today that its [m]Power® Cognitive Fitness System has now been adopted by more than 150 senior living communities" - "Users include Sunrise Senior Living, Front Porch Communities, Diakon Lutheran Services, Ecumen, Eskaton, Benchmark Assisted Living, and Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging. Several neurologists and a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter office have also purchased the system." - “Other products are static. You buy a CD, put it in the computer, and that’s it. People get bored and stop using them. Dakim has found a way to keep people coming back to challenge their ability, and that’s what our residents are doing.” (... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723969 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:13:15 +0100 1723969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1717149&cid=t_106996_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F369094807%2F URL: http://www.faceresearch.org/Rate attractiveness (facial, voice, different ages, etc.) and other qualities alongside questionnaires about your hormonal cycles, tastes and attitudes in Flash-based tests designed by psychologists at the University of Aberdeen. For: Anyone, Anyone, Anyone, Clinicians, Consumers, Researchers, Students, TeachersTopics: Clinical Psychology, Depression, Self-help, Cognitive, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Academia, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive, Cognitive Training, Research ProgramFeatures: Information, Mood Tracking, Self Monitoring, Careers, Case Studies, Clinical Tools, Information, Links, e-learningFace Research Rate attractiveness (facial, voice, different ages, etc.) and other qualities alongside questionnaires about your hormonal cycles, tastes and atti... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1717149 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:52:17 +0100 1717149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1700683&cid=t_106996_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F363119482%2F Teachley’s Believe It or Not site deals with the brain and how it can affect students, teachers, and others in fields of learning and memory. For: Anyone, Clinicians, Consumers, Researchers, Students, TeachersTopics: Abnormal, Academia, Behaviour Management, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Training, Educational Psychology, Teaching, Teaching PsychologyFeatures: Information, Resources, e-learningTeachley’s Believe It or Not site deals with the brain and how it can affect students, teachers, and others in fields of learning and memory.  The site enables researchers, students, teachers and more to play games and to understand the mind better in order to help with therapy, learning, and other mind oriented tasks. Learn about Learned Helplessness and stress, dehydration, and... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1700683 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:47:06 +0100 1700683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1652923&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F345368972%2F Busy as we have been, we only recently compiled the list of organizations who have purchased our Brain Fitness Market Report so far. We were impressed by the quality and variety represented, and the cross-sector demand for quality information in the emerging brain fitness/ cognitive health category. Seeing the list helps us prioritize efforts and coverage of market and research news and trends. Below you have a selection of main categories, and a few selected clients: · Research centers and universities: Harvard Medical School, US Army Research Lab, Oregon Center for Applied Science, University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan. · Older adults organizations and communities: American Association of Retired People (AARP), Sunrise Senior Living, Belmont Village Senior Living. ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1652923 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:12:55 +0100 1652923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1552375&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F321044036%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains.com. Dr. Michelon, Copyright 2008. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and is a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. aerobic training, Alzheimer’s disease, brain, Brain health, Brain Imaging, cognitive performance, Cognitive Training, Colcombe and Kramer, executive control, exercise, fitness training, hippocampus, memory, mental exercises, Physical Exercise, Working memory (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1552375 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:46:17 +0100 1552375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1501538&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F307119481%2F I just read a very interesting article in Newsweek: Executive Functions: The School Skill That May Matter More Than IQ. A few quotes: - "But recent advances in psychology and brain science are now suggesting that a child's ability to inhibit distracting thoughts and stay focused may be a fundamental cognitive skill, one that plays a big part in academic success from preschool on. Indeed, this and closely related skills may be more important than traditional IQ in predicting a child's school performance." - "EF (executive functions) comprises not only effortful control and cognitive focus but also working memory and mental flexibility—the ability to adjust to change, to think outside the box." - "When the teacher holds up a circle they clap, with a triangle they ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1501538 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 02:38:20 +0100 1501538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1468033&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F298069338%2F In this study, the researchers examined how people make a correct choice. Researchers compared the quality of decisions formed from conscious versus unconscious thinking with that resulting from unconscious thinking. Here is how they studied this issue. In one study, subjects were given information about the attributes of four hypothetical cars, and they were to decide which was the best car, based on the attributes assigned to each car. Analysis conditions were either simple (based on only four attributes) or complex (based on 12 attributes). After reading about the attributes, subjects were assigned to one of two groups: conscious analysis or to an unconscious thought condition. In the conscious condition, they thought about the attributes for four minutes before making a choice. In the ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1468033 Mon, 26 May 2008 13:06:00 +0100 1468033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1443507&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F289934859%2F We reported our results in two unpublished dissertations, but this is the first time it has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Could you please explain the training involved in this particular study? We recruited 70 students aged around 26 years and set half of them on a challenging computer-based cognitive training regimen, based on the so-called "n-back task." This is a very complex working memory task that involves the simultaneous presentation of visual and auditory stimuli. The experimental group watched a series of screens on their computers, where a blue square appeared in various positions on a black background. Each screen appeared for half a second, with a 2.5 second gap before the next one appeared. While this happened, the trainees also heard a series of lett... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443507 Wed, 14 May 2008 05:54:27 +0100 1443507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1407592&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F279996616%2F Quick update: 2 very interesting news, 2 excellent blog carnivals. 1) Forget Brain Age: Researchers Develop Software That Makes You Smarter (Wired). Thanks Senia! - "In a limited trial, he and his team were able to make 34 test subjects significantly better at answering IQ test questions after training them on a completely separate memory task"  -"These are intriguing results," Geary said. However, Geary noted that to claim actual increases in fluid intelligence, the subjects would have to show the performance gains over a long-term period --- or even permanently. -The Michigan researchers are now engaged in studying the long-term effects of training. They are also working to increase the amount of training that users undergo. In the experiment reported in PNAS, the ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1407592 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:28:37 +0100 1407592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1392664&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F275885238%2F A very promising cognitive training study was presented last week by Helena Westerberg at the annual meeting of the CNS: Cognitive Neuroscience Society held in San Francisco, and Dr. David Rabiner brings us the highlights. --------------------- The study was conducted with a general adult population, rather than adults diagnosed with ADHD, as was the case in previous published working memory training studies, The study was a randomized, controlled trial of working memory training conducted with 55 younger (20-30 years old) and 45 older (60-70 years old) adults. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 5 weeks of active Cogmed Working Memory Training or a placebo training intervention. In the active training group, the difficulty of the working memory training tasks continually adju... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1392664 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:19:23 +0100 1392664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1389520&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F275134691%2F Great article in the UK's Sunday Times yesterday: Pump up those little grey cells, listing a variety of free or inexpensive brain health-related resources. We are honored (even honoured, I'd dare say) that they started the list with our complimentary Brain Fitness 101 e-Guide: - "The science behind some of the more outlandish claims for computer games that are supposed to improve your cognitive powers, is a matter of debate. However, you don’t need to pay £20 to give a game a try. The internet features a host of websites that can stretch your imagination and improve your mental prowess in a range of skills. Some are expensive rip-offs, but many are free, as our guide to the best of them shows." - "Begin by downloading the Brain Fitness 101 e-guide by Sharp Brains, availa... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1389520 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:19:05 +0100 1389520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1371113&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F270115426%2F I will be speaking at the these upcoming conferences: if you are attending, please let me know! >> Boston, April 28th, 2008: Panel on Latest Brain Research Trends, at the Learning and the Brain Conference. >> Boston, April 29th, 2008: New Developments in Cognitive Retraining Technology, at the Innovation Institute. >> Baltimore, May 9th, 2008:  The State of the Brain Fitness Market, at the Games for Health Summit. >> San Francisco, May 15th, 2008: Cognitive and Emotional Training (Brain Fitness) for Healthy Aging, at the Institute on Aging's seminar on Brain Health Accross the Lifespan.   >> San Jose, June 9th, 2008: Brain Fitness Trends and Assisted Living Communities, at the California Assisted Living Association Spring Conference. Assisted Living, brain research, CALA, California A... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1371113 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:55:20 +0100 1371113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344975&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F262431171%2F Salon.com published yesterday a thought-provoking article focused on Posit Science's Brain Fitness Program, titled Buff Up Your Brain, that combined a) some pretty good analysis and great points about that specific program and justifiable (to a point) criticism of the commercial tone of a recent PBS Special, with b) the error of confusing a tree with the forest, that led the author to make several unwarranted claims regarding the field. Computerized cognitive training has been around since way before Posit Science, and will be here way beyond Posit Science (and SharpBrains, and Salon.com), and their auditory processing product-featured in the PBS Special- is not, in our view, the most particularly impressive example. Well-directed cognitive exercise can enhance mental skills and transfer... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344975 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:51:39 +0100 1344975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1336453&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F260444543%2F Driving as Next Brain Fitness Application?  Last month, at the MIT/ SmartSilvers event where we presented our Brain Fitness Market Report, we discussed what specific applications, beyond the current emphasis on healthy aging, might take computerized cognitive training to a new level.   Assessing and improving driving skills would be a top candidate, given both the well-defined nature of the need and the appearance of programs with growing evidence (both scientific and real-world) behind. The New York Times Asks...  Along these lines, the New York Times just published this article: Are You a Good Driver? Here’s How to Find Out. A few quotes: - "COULD a video game make you a better driver? More important, could computer software prevent teenagers from making fatal mistakes or e... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1336453 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:13:24 +0100 1336453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1327752&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F258097784%2F An interesting recent article announcesPupils to start day with Nintendo Brain Training(UK's Daily Telegraph). Some quotes: - "Children at 16 primary schools are to start each day by playing on a Nintendo games console, it was disclosed yesterday." - "The pupils will play "brain training" exercises before lessons after a pilot scheme at a school in Dundee found that it boosted learning ability." - "Children at St Columba's Primary in the city scored higher in maths tests and had improved concentration and behaviour after playing the Nintendo game More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima, the study showed." - "LTS is working with school inspectors and Dundee University to carry out a larger pilot of the scheme, with 16 schools using the game every... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1327752 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:13:01 +0100 1327752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1320618&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F255791637%2F This report is a must have for those in the brain health industry. Finally, an easy to use objective resource organizing the flurry of global brain health activities. The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market report not only tells the story of cognitive training and brain fitness, but provides a broad range of data allowing one to more swiftly navigate the current terrain and future landscape." -- Debra Raybold, Director, Brain Health Center, Memorial Hospital Health System, South Bend, Indiana. "This report is comprehensive to say the least. It provides an essential service for long term care organizations who want to provide mind-enhancing programs and services. There is a bewildering array of technology currently available. Few, if any, of us have the resources or experti... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1320618 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:42:19 +0100 1320618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1266822&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F243138847%2F Several recent news (including video of our recent panel discussion): 1) Study Finds Improved Cognitive Health among Older Americans (Journal of the Alzheimer's Association) - "Societal investment in building and maintaining cognitive reserve through formal education in childhood and continued cognitive stimulation during work and leisure in adulthood may help limit the burden of dementia among the growing number of older adults worldwide". - "Cognitive impairment dropped from 12.2 percent in 1993 to 8.7 percent in 2002 among people 70 and older."  - "Education and financial status appeared overall to protect against developing cognitive impairment." - "Further, they suggested, the results support the notion of cognitive reserve, which hypothesizes that... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1266822 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:05:14 +0100 1266822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1252039&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F240040388%2F Conclusions - Barkley's theory has been widely recognized as a significant advance in our thinking about ADHD that helps to organize a vast body of literature and clinical observations about the disorder. As with any theory, it's ultimate value will depend on the amount of new research that it stimulates, and the information that is obtained from those studies. One important point to note is that even if one agress with Barkley's notion that ADHD is fundamentally a deficit of self-regulation, it does not necessarily follow that the interventions he advocates - basically, behavior therapy and medication treatment - are the only approaches to be pursued. Clearly, these are the interventions that currently enjoy the strongest empirical support. They are limited, however, in that neither is c... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1252039 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:06:18 +0100 1252039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1250600&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F239188305%2F Physical fitness. Cognitive/ brain fitness. Both require novelty, variety and challenge. Professor Schlomo Breznitz, a scientific and business leader in the cognitive fitness field, explains why, eloquently, below. Perhaps "we want change" really means "we need change". Enjoy! ------------------------ Why are everyday life challenges not sufficient to keep our brains fit? -- By Prof. Shlomo Breznitz Often, when describing the benefits of MindFit to brain health, I am asked by people in the audience whether this software is really needed. After all, so they argue, life provides continues cognitive challenges, which should suffice for ensuring brain fitness. From the moment we wake up until we go to sleep our brains have to attend to complex stimuli, plan many activities,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1250600 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:26:43 +0100 1250600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1249090&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F239188305%2F Physical fitness. Cognitive/ brain fitness. Both require novelty, variety and challenge. Professor Schlomo Breznitz, a scientific and business leader in the cognitive fitness field, explains why, eloquently, below. Perhaps "we want change" really means "we need change". Enjoy! ------------------------ Why are everyday life challenges not sufficient to keep our brains fit? -- By Prof. Shlomo Breznitz Often, when describing the benefits of MindFit to brain health, I am asked by people in the audience whether this software is really needed. After all, so they argue, life provides continues cognitive challenges, which should suffice for ensuring brain fitness. From the moment we wake up until we go to sleep our brains have to attend to complex stimuli, plan many activities,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1249090 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:23:57 +0100 1249090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1170699&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F221136346%2F Starting this week, you will start seeing a growing number of Expert Contributors writing in our blog and website, so that we can collectively discuss the latest research and trends on cognitive and emotional training, brain fitness and health, and the implications of brain research in general for our everyday lives. All of it, spiced up by stimulating brain teasers. So, if you haven't already, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter (above) and our RSS feed (on the right). Let me introduce, In alphabetical order, the Expert Contributors who will share their knowledge with us in January and February. - Wes Carroll, SB in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT, and Puzzle Master for Ask a Scientist lecture series. - Simon Evans, PhD., and Paul Burghardt, PhD., who collaborate in the ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1170699 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:12:37 +0100 1170699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1142929&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F214647734%2F Neuroscientists at Columbia University Medical Center (see our previous interview with Yaakov Stern on the Cognitive Reserve) have asked for help in recruiting volunteers for an exciting clinical trial. If you are based in New York City, and between the ages of 60 and 75, please consider joining this study. More information below: --------------------------- Use it or Lose it? Train your Brain! Healthy adults between the ages of 60 and 75 living in NYC are invited to join a study of mental fitness training. Qualified individuals will play a scientifically-based video game in our laboratory, and will be tested to determine the effects on attention, memory, and cognitive performance. You will earn up to $600 plus transportation costs if you complete the 3-month program. This exciting study i... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1142929 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:50:45 +0100 1142929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1137505&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F213262462%2F The most popular question we got when we announced that PBS had a great special on Brain Fitness Program and Neuroplasticity in December was, when will the DVD be available? Well, finally here it comes. You can click on the image or the title to go over to PBS shop to learn more and buy it. The Brain Fitness Program DVD ($24.95, shipped by 02/01/08). "This program presents a workout to help viewers get their brains in better shape. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt — even rewire itself. In the past two years, a team of scientists has developed computer-based stimulus sets that drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional changes in the brain. Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California San Francisco ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1137505 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:28:30 +0100 1137505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1087898&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F198708954%2F Reader Theresa Cerulli just forwarded this Letter to the Editor that she had sent to the New York Times and went unpublished. The letter addresses the OpEd mentioned here (pitching physical vs. mental exercise), and refers to the Cogmed working memory training program, whose results have been studied in multiple papers published in top medical and scientific journals. ------------------------------- Dear Editor: I applaud Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang for throwing some cold water on the current brain fitness craze in their recent New York Times Magazine Opinion Editorial “Exercise on the Brain.” They are correct in labeling the host of “mental fitness” products that target aging baby boomers as “inspired by science — not to be confused with actually proven by science.” For the ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1087898 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:09:05 +0100 1087898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1084654&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F198090188%2F The holidays are approaching and you can expect many software and game developers to advertise their products aggressively, trying to get you buy their "brain training" products for you or as a gift for a loved one. The good news is that there are more and more tools we can use to keep mentally stimulated and even train and improve specific cognitive abilities (like processing speed, short-term memory...). You may be reading about Nintendo Brain Age, Posit Science, MindFit, Lumosity, Happy Neuron, MyBrainTrainer, emWave, StressEraser and more. And, of course, there are also non-technology based interventions. The bad news is that it is difficult to separate marketing from scientific claims, and to understand which one, if any, may be a good complement to other healthy lifestyle... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1084654 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:06:52 +0100 1084654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1075384&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F196312481%2F Very interesting collection of recent news...let's connect some dots 1) Great article titled Boom time for retirees writeDate( 1196878752000, 'Grey', '18:12', 9999999999999); (Financial Times) - "By 2015, boomers will have a net worth of some $26,000bn (£12,750bn, €17,670bn) – equivalent to a year’s gross domestic product for the US and eurozone combined. They will control a larger proportion of wealth, income and consumption than any other generation in the country – the first time that consumers over 50 have held such sway over the world’s largest economy." - "But as the boomers aged – by 2015 they will all be outside the fabled under-49 cohort – corporate America failed to grow old with them. Marketing experts argue that the continued focus of large compan... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1075384 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:26:32 +0100 1075384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1065037&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F194004953%2F PBS has announced a special program on neuroplasticity and brain fitness titled "Brain Fitness Program" during the month of December. You can check local times and listings: "This program presents a workout to help viewers get their brains in better shape. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt — even rewire itself. In the past two years, a team of scientists has developed computer-based stimulus sets that drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional changes in the brain. Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California San Francisco and his colleagues around the world have been leading this effort; he brings the research findings, along with a scientifically based set of brain exercises, to PBS view... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1065037 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:05:54 +0100 1065037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1040422&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F187798615%2F We presented these important results at the Annual Meeting of GSA, because aging experts need to spread the word that cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of aging,” said Dr. Zelinski. “Doing the properly designed cognitive activities can actually enhance abilities as you age.” View Study Poster presented at the GSA. I will be interviewing Elizabeth Zelinski as part of our Neuroscience Interview Series, so keep tuned. One clarification: this is not the first study to show how cognitive training can generalize beyond the tasks directly trained. Others have already shown an effect on cognitive abilities and even on real-world tasks, on a variety of age groups and trained functions. But the size of it (468 participants) makes it by far the largest that does so, and the effects... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1040422 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:24:47 +0100 1040422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=979700&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F175003828%2F Context: Last February we had the chance to attend a great conference on how brain research is influencing education. Highly recommended. Caroline wrote our impressions, summarized as "It was a fascinating mix of neuroscientists and educators talking with and listening to each other. Some topics were meant to be applied today, but many were food for thought - insight on where science and education are headed and how they influence each other". See some of our take-aways below. Announcement: the 2008 edition of this conference, titled Using Brain Research to Enhance Learning, Attention & Memory For Educators, Parents and Clinicians, will take place in San Francisco,  on February 7-9th, 2008. The organizers have kindly invited me to deliver a lecture on Interventions to Sha... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=979700 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:22:35 +0100 979700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966546&cid=t_106996_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F170271574%2F For a limited time only: we can offer a 10% Discount and Free shipping for SharpBrains readers who want to buy MindFit brain fitness program. Simply visit this website introduce the Discount Code SB-MF-10 in the Discounts/Coupons field as you check out.  Note: by clicking here you will visit a different website, unafiliated with us.  Please remember that we have not developed MindFit, but consider it one of the programs with good grades in our 10-Question Evaluation Checklist, so we are glad to have secured this discount. Below you have some demos, so you get a sense of the types of exercises we are talking about. Have fun! The "Inside and Outside" task was designed to train your divided attention skills. Divided attention is the ability to pay attention to more than one t... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966546 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:04:42 +0100 966546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=499898&cid=t_106996_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F104210821%2F Cognifit provides software that promotes cognitive fitness. Founded by Professor Schlomo Breznitzand combining the talents of psychologists, programmers, web developers and graphic designers, Cognifit has developed a range of cognitive fitness products (e.g., DriveFit, MindFit) for consumers looking to train their mind. Cognitive Fitness is built upon the “use it or lose it” assumption, namely that activities which place some level of cognitive load on the brain, promote greater brain fitness and hence longer lasting “cognitive vitality”. Put more simply, the analogy is the same as physical fitness: exercise your muscles, and they will be stronger and serve you better over time. The Cognifit website outlines their key products (demos are available), recent cognitive... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=499898 Sun, 25 Mar 2007 03:14:38 +0100 499898