When Bonnie Theiss, 65 retired from her library job in St Cloud, Minn., she started to spend "way too much time in front of the boob tube," she recently told the L.A. Times. Now, she commits time almost every day to doing brain exercise games on her computer, saying " I'd prefer to be learning while being entertained." And she claims it has improved her attention to details in her environment, sharpened her memory  and her response times to cues like traffic signals.

At 28, Lucas Mills may seem too young to be experiencing age-related memory problems. But the Yale law student took a year off between finishing college and starting law school and told the Times "you can notice a difference in performance especially when you go from college to the real world, where you're not as stimulated every day," he said. "With the specter of law school looming, I decided I had to do better."

So he took to computer-based brain training exercises. "It was a nice little tune up," he said.

The L.A. Times reports that brain training exercises will soon become as widely accepted as physical exercise as the means to keep in optimum mental shape and stave off the effects of age related diseases. HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness is recognised as the world's leading provider of brain training software. It was founded by neuroscientist Dr Elkhonen Goldberg, Professor of Neurology at New York University and  renowned in the field of cognitive fitness and brain training. The exercises at HeadStrong strengthen the brain's pathways associated with memory and concentration. You can join HeadStrong for as little as US$20 a month and have a neuropsychologist tailor an exercise program exclusively to you. To find out more click here.

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Brain training is rapidly becoming the recognised solution to age-related memory loss, according to the L.A. Times. "There is plausability, both biological and behavioural, to the claim that these may work," Molly Wagster, chief of the National Institute on Ageing's neuropsychology department told the paper.

In fact insurance companies Humana and Penn Treaty American Corp have begun distributing software brain training programs to millions of its older members.

The L.A. Times also reports that retirement communities are rushing to establish brain gyms to help current residents sharpen their mental skills and to attract baby boomers who may one day put such ammenities on a par with a weight room and gym.

"I see this as a new fronter of fitness overall," said Alvaro Fernandez, founder of SharpBrains.com, which tracks the business and science of brain-training. He says that Americans already understand the value of physical fitness in staying healthy and preventing age-related diseases. And he predicts cognitive fitness -  keeping our brain in peak condition and staving off memory decline - will soon become a personal goal for baby boomers equal to physical fitness.

SharpBrains have acknowledged Headstrong Cognitive Fitness as the most credible brain training exercises on the market. Founded by neuroscientist Dr Elkhonon Goldberg, the world's leading authority on cognitive fitness, the exercises have been developed to sharpen the brain pathways associated with memory and concentration. You can insure your future mental health for as little as US$20 a month. To find out more, click here.

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Recent studies have proven that brain training exercises can have a lasting effect on improving the memory, particularly in the elderly.

A recent clinical trial found that even brief brain training later in life can have an ongoing effect on people coping better. The study of people over 65, across six cities in the US, found that compared with subjects who had no exposure to brain training, those who had participated in just 10 sessions were better able to manage the tasks of daily, independent living five years later. Those who got booster training of eight sessions one and three years later fared even better.

In another study a group of subjects with an average age of 71 were put on an eight week program of brain exercises. Afterwards, their memory and concentration showed marked improvements when compared with a group who had not done the exercises.

The neuroscientist behind that study, Henry Mahncke, told the LA Times that one of the root problems of age-related memory lapses was that the brain loses its ability to filter out distractions, so that incoming information - whether a street name or the name of a person - gets absorbed more slowly and less clearly. The brain exercises in his study were targeted specifically at the part of the brain where incoming sounds are understood and processed.

HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness brain training software has been rated the most credible on the market by SharpBrains, the company that tracks the business and science of brain training. For just US$20 a month, their neuropsychologist will customise a program of brain exercises aimed at sharpening your concentration, memory and organisational skills. Boost your self-confidence and protect yourself from the debilitating effects of age-related memory loss, dementia and even Alzheimer's, by committing to just a few simple exercises a day. To find out more, click here.

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How to optomise your brain at any age is an increasingly important question worldwide. As scientists internationally look to find ways that baby boomers can protect their brains against age-related memory loss,  new discoveries about how our mind works are being reported virtually every day.

Now Malaysia is taking the initiative by holding the first International Festival of the Mind. (To find out more about the conference click here.) Key questions being explored and tested on attendees are: how good is your memory; how good is your hand-eye co-ordination; are you good at solving problems?

Already scientists know that from our middle years our capacity in all these areas declines as our brains produce less neurons (memory cells). But it has also been clinically proven that one of the most effective ways of counteracting age-related memory loss is to exercise and stimulate the brain's memory pathways. In the same way that physical exercise strengthens our muscles, doing specifically designed brain exercises strengthens the neural connections associated with memory and concentration. A leading supplier of brain exercises is HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness. There,  neuropsychologist Nicola Gates, has developed a training program of computer-based activities targeted at an individual's memory capacity and these tasks' difficulty increases as a participant's brain power grows. If you're interested in finding out more about how HeadStrong's brain training exercises work, click here.

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Why does going for a brisk walk or doing aerobic exercise makes you feel more clear-headed? Scientists at MIT in New York have discovered that as well as pumping oxygen to the body's cells, blood may affect the activity of neurons (memory cells) in the brain as it flows through, changing how they transmit signals to each other and regulating the flow of information through the brain.

"Many lines of evidence suggest that the blood does something more interesting than just delivering supplies. If it does modulate how neurons receive signals, that changes how we think the brain works," researcher Christopher Moore said in the Journal of Neurophysiology.

Moore has found that blood contains elements that could leak out of blood vessels and affect brain activity. Changes in blood volume, such as increasing the heart rate with exercise, effect the concentration of these factors. Neurons may also react to the mechanical forces applied to them when blood vessels expand and contract. Blood also influences the temperature of the brain tissue, which affects the activity of the cells.

Just as much as physical exercise is proven to have great benefits for memory and concentration, there is increasing scientific evidence that mental exercise also plays an important role in keeping memory sharp. Especially when it comes to age-related memory loss. HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness offers the world's leading brain training exercises. Designed upon neuroscientific knowledge, they target the brain pathways associated with memory. Regularly doing brain training exercises has proven in clinical studies to keep the memory in peak condition, regardless of your chronological age. To find out more, click here.

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<!-- ckey="4ED605D6" --> Why is it that some people seem to suffer severe memory loss as they age while others seem to function as well as the did in their 20s?

Intriguingly, autopsy studies have found that 20 to 40 per cent of elders who showed no mental confusion actually had brains riddled with Alzheimer's trademark plaques, according to a report from AAP. It would appear that in some fortunate people, the brain finds ways of adapting and building new information pathways around the old, diseased ones.

As baby boomers are aging and we are living longer, the issue of understanding how to prevent memory loss and keep people's minds healthy is a critical one . "This is the front and centre public health issue we face as a nation", said Dr Denise Park, Director for the University of Illinois Centre forHealthy Minds, at a recent gathering of brain specialists.

While the race to unlock the brain's secrets is underway, a proven way to keep existing memory in peak condition is through brain training exercises. The exercises at HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness, a leading supplier of brain exercises, are developed by a neurospychologist based upon neuroscience. In the same way that physical exercise can keep your muscles fit, brain training works the neural pathways associated with memory, recognition and concentration, and can keep protect your mind from age-related deterioration. To find out more click here.

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If you thought your mind was in peak shape until middle age think again. Loss of memory cells in the brain begins in early adulthood according to a new study at Princeton University. The news may seem depressing at first but it holds promise that scientists are on their way to finding how to halt the decline and even boost production of fresh memory cells.

The study was the first memory study conducted on monkeys, who come from the same biological order that contains humans. (Previous studies have involved mice). The scientists discovered that the adult brain undergoes significant structural changes to adapt and work around this decline in memory cells.  "Whatever stimulates these changes can most likely be tapped into and enhanced," Elizabeth Gould, professor of psychology  and co-director of the Program in Neuroscience told Science Daily. "We'd like to do more studies to see if we can find out first what maintains the higher level of neurogenesis [production of new memory cells] in young animals, and then how we can keep it going at that level as the brain ages."

But she also noted that neurogenesis can be stimulated at any age by new experiences. Brain exercises are a widely recognised way of providing the fresh mental challenges that  keep our brain performing at peak level as we age. At HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness, the world's leading supplier of software brain training exercises, the tasks have been developed by a neuropsychologist specfically to workout the brain pathways associated with memory and concentration. Click here to find out more about how brain training works.

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The concept of brain age is becoming widely used although not necessarily accurately understood.  Often people think their brain age indicates that they can perform a task at a level consistent with a particular age group- usually younger.  However how well a task or brain teaser is performed does not necessarily equate with the physical health of your brain.

A recent article published in Brain, Journal of Neurology, indicated that there is a preclinical stage in Alzheimer's disease.  This means that the brain has pathological changes (plaques) for several years before the conditon is evident in poor memory function.  This is consitent with other findings that a number of healthy adults have brain pathology consistent with Alzheimer's.  Consequently, although these subjects perform well their brain is actually 'older' and at significant risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The question then becomes- why do some people with mild cognitive impairment and pathology develop Alzheimer's disease and some do not?  Neuroscientists around the world are still resolving this question.  One possible explanation is the amount of brain activity undertaken across the lifespan and another is the notion of brain reserve.  Either way both ideas revolve around 'use it or lose it ' .    To exercise your brain and stimulate potential new growth and connections try scientifically developed brain teasers at  www.headstrongcognitive.com

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Moderate physical exercise can protect the brain from memory-loss associated with the onset of Alzheimer's Disease according to ongoing research being conducted at the University of Maryland.

The study observed the brain activity of adults, some with a predisposition towards Alzheimer's disease and some without.  The results were that in subjects who under took physical exercise the brain releases neurotrophins, which promote the growth and repair of brain memory tissue.  Consequently these subjects exhibited normal brain activity. The study also found that although though the non -exercising subjects appeared normal, those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's had brains that were working much harder to compensate for subtle deficiencies taking place.

"In essence, this implies a protective effect of exercise on the brain," says the study's leader, Bradley Hatfield, professor at the University's School of Public Health. To read an interview with him about the study and its findings click here.

Physical activity such as a brisk walk for 20 minutes three times a week can maintain optimum memory function in the ageing brain, perhaps even for years. Whatsmore, even starting exercise now can have these benefits. 

Another clinically proven way of protecting memory against age-related illnesses, such as dementia and Alzheimer's Disease, is through regular brain teasers.  Doing mental tasks, such as the brain game exercises developed by a leading neuropsychologist for by HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness, strengthen the brain pathways associated with memory and concentration and  practising these exercises regularly can assist people to maintain their memory functioning. To find out more click here.

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Everybody knows the feeling of being introduced to somebody and the next instant having no recollection of their name. But for some people the problem is even worse. Forgetting the names of people you deal with every day, even friends or family, can be extremely anxiety provoking. Leading Neuropsychologist Nicola Gates has come up with the some strategies to help strengthen your memory for names and faces.

1. Repeat people's names aloud when you are being introduced  (eg. 'nice to meet you John') because hearing the name twice will increase your ability to learn and remember it.                                                                                       2. Use people's names when you talk to them, or rehearse them in your mind.
3. In a group situation make sure you match up the name and the right person as we tend to remember that initial association, even when it is wrong.
4. Make an association between the person's name and a facial characteristic or some other detail you know about them, ie: Fred with red hair, Bob the builder.
5. Study their face to assist recognition.
6. Link the person to someone else you already know - make associations.

You can actually strengthen the brain's memory pathways with scientifically developed brain exercises. Nicola Gates of HeadStrong has developed world wide computer-based software exercises. The brain training work in much the same way as physical exercise strengthens your muscles. Brain exercises have been clinically proven to boost memory function and keep the brain fit and at its peak as we age.  Brain exercise even acts as a buffer against age-related illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. To find out more about brain-training, click here.

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Sometimes it seems the more we think about a problem, instead of finding a simple answer, it becomes increasingly overwhelming. Life factors such as diet, stress and ageing can all have an affect on our ability to handle problems. But there are some simple strategies you can use to overcome your anxieties. Here, Nicola Gates, a leading neuropsychologist, offers some useful strategies to help you cope:

1. Provide structure and a time frame.
2. Generate several possible options/solutions and rank them in order of priority.
3. Reduce the number of practical choices.
4. Develop a problem solving flow chart that is easy to follow.
5. Discuss how each step can be completed and then break up the steps and tasks into a step-by-step check list.
6. Set aside planning time on a daily or weekly basis.
7. Remember that even an elephant needs to be eaten one mouthful at a time.
8. Repeat instructions in your mind as you hear/read them.
9. Visualise the separate steps - make a movie in your mind.
10. Make a rhyme or song with the information.

Problem solving difficulties can sometimes be caused by age-related brain deterioration. A clinically proven way to boost your problem solving ability as well as your concentration and memory is to practice scientifically-developed brain exercises. Numerous studies have shown they act to strengthen the neural pathways in the same way that physical exercise strengthens our muscles. They also act as a buffer against age-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's. To find out more about  the brain exercises developed by Nicola Gates for HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness click here.

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Do you find your memory letting you down? Things like stress and ageing can seriously impact upon our ability to remember like we used to. But according to leading neuropsychologist Nicola Gates, there are strategies you can employ to enhance your memory. Nicola is pioneer clinician in the field of brain ageing and protecting the brain against age-related memory loss. At Headstrong Cognitive Fitness she has coached many people, including senior corporate executives, to manage their memory issues. Here, she outlines ten successful strategies for managing your memory in every day life.

1. Record information such as appointments and instructions so you can refer to it later - use a diary, mobile phone, Blackberry.
2. Repeat important information in your mind.
3. In conversation, summarise the salient points back and get any errors or misinformation corrected. For example, you could say, "If I heard right, you said this and this. Am I correct?"
4. Associate new information with things you have previously learnt.
5. Invent your own mneumonics - little word rhymes that can make it easier to remember.
5. Put information into a rhyme or song.
6. Prompt your memory with cues such as photos or key words.
7. Write down schedules and develop a routine - the more activities that become automatic, the more brain space you have for making other decisions, problem solving, etc.
8. Make logical associations between household items and their storage and then keep things in the same place - you'll save a lot of time not having to search.
9. Visualise information and important details - imagine the information as a photo or make your own visual movie.
10. Organise and categorise information in your brain - put it into chunks or 'files'.

If you are worried that your poor memory may be a little more serious then you can strengthen the brain's memory pathways with brain exercises. Nicola Gates has developed a leading computer software brain training programme. These activities target the neural pathways associated with memory and new learning and have been demonstrated to stimulate brain function and improve the brain's capacity to learn, and protect the brain against normal age related memory loss.  Regularly doing brain exercises can also act as a buffer against illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. To find out more about Headstrong's brain training program and how it works click here.

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Want to boost your brain's speed and efficiency? Neuropsychologist Nicola Gates, who develops the science based brain games for Headstrong Cognitive Fitness, recommends these helpful hints:

1. Do not rush, as rushing can lead to errors which take time to correct, and you may 'learn' the error and repeat it.
2. Work in a systematic, consistent way so your brain can develop efficient neural pathways.
3. Concentrate on what you need to do, deal with one thing at a time so your brain can focus its resources.
4. Practice, practice, practice. The more you do something, the quicker your brain will process and function.
5. Always ensure you have enough time, make a schedule of what you need to do by when and stick to it.

As we age our brain naturally loses speed, and our memory and concentration decline. Now scientists are discovering you can actually improve your brain's speed and memory capacity by doing mental exercises. Not simple brain terasers, these exercises work in the same way that physical exercise keeps us fit, working and challenging different neural circuits, keeping you mentally fit at every age - and there is also evidence to suggest that they can stave off age-related cognitive decline. To find out more about Headstrong Cognitive Fitness' brain training techniques and how you can protect your brain from the effects of ageing, click here.

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Concentration sometimes seems elusive - some days it is so much better than others. And as we age our natural attention span and short term memory decline for a number of reasons. This can be deeply frustrating. Leading neurospychologist Nicola Gates, who designs the neuroscience based brain games for Headstrong Cognitive Fitness, recommends these six easy ways to enhance your concentration in daily life:

1. Select tasks and activities that do not take too long, or take a break after 40 minutes - that's when attention starts to wane.
2. Remove distractions such as television and radios as it takes brain power not to focus on those things.
3. Schedule difficult appointments and activities at your best time of day - usually in the morning.
4. Repeat in your mind what you are doing or concentrating upon so your mind doesn't wander off.
5. Block out distracting thoughts or ideas.
6. Keep your health, sleep well and don't stress too much. Poor health, lack of sleep and stress all reduce your attention capacity.

If you are concerned that your short term memory and concentration might need more serious help then you can find out how brain training exercises work by clicking here. They look like brain teasers but are more substanital and are scientifically proven to help protect the brain from  age-related memory loss and poor concentration and can act as a buffer against problems like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. You can join today for less than $20 a month - simply go to Headstrong Cognitive Fitness.

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Leading US insurer Penn Treaty is offering policy holders the opportunity to try a computer-based mental exercise program, in the belief that it will stave off age-related memory loss in thousands of its clients.

The computer program has been hailed "one of the medical breakthroughs of the year" by CNBC. The program guides listeners through a series of exercises designed to improve memory, strengthen communication and sharpen thinking. In recent trials participants, aged over 60, showed astonishing gains in memory and mental agility - equivalent to 10 or more years of improved brain functioning - compared with the control group who did not use the brain exercises.

The computer-based exercise program is the first of the insurer's platform of  "wellness programs that may enable [policy holders] to lead longer, healthier, happier lives," a spokesman told CNN. For the full report click here.

To find out more about computer-based brain exercises and how they work, click here. If you are concerned about age related memory loss, Headstrong Cognitive Fitness offers a targeted solution, with exercises aimed at steadily improving your level of skill, together with helpful tips and strategies to assist you in your daily life. Signing up to this revolutionary scientific program costs less than US$20 a month. Interested? Click here.

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The Alzheimer's Association of Canada has launched a two-year campaign urging people to do regular memory exercises to ensure they keep the disease at bay.

"Our caregivers as well as our owners and staff across Canada know first hand the value of keeping the minds of seniors active," a spokesman for a nationwide senior care service told Canada's Financial Times. It called exercising the brain the mental equivalent of  "brisk walks, swims, bike rides, weight training, push-ups etc". The  spokesman recommended the following ways to keep the mind fit:

1. Try your hand at regular crosswords and jigsaw puzzles.

2. Join a local club that plays board games such as Scrabble and card games like Bridge.

3. Keep a lively interest in current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines.

4. Play interactive computer games. "These have become popular for all ages but are crucial for seniors", said the report.

Overall the story recommended that brain training computer activities were the best option. "The formal approach is better for most because, like physical exercise, a daily routine demands consistent involvement and gets better results", the paper said.  Click here to read the full story.

The brain training computer exercises offered by Headstrong Cognitive Fitness have been designed by a neuropsychologist to strengthen the brain pathways associated with 5 cognitive domains: memory; problem solving; speed; language; and concentration. These naturally diminish as we age.  Discover the neuroscience behind these  brain exercises and how you can increase the memory capacity of your brain by clicking here.


 

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