Being stuck in a rut erodes short term memory
Posted Jan 10 2008 1:35am
The more you dwell inside your comfort zone and don't seek out new experiences, new friends or new challenges, the more your brain's capacity may be shutting down.
"Actively engaging in novel, challenging activities capitalises on your capacity for neuroplasticity - the ability of your brain to organise itself adaptively and enhance its performance," Professor Roderick McGillick recently wrote in The Australian Financial Review. "Studies of older adults show that those who live this way possess more complex neural networks than those who do not. Research shows that those who engage in continuous learning are more resistant to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia."
You can also do all these things: new challenges, brain stimulation and memory strengthening, by doing computer based brain exercises. HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness world-renowned program was designed by a neuropsychologist specifically to target and strengthen the brain's memory pathways. You can trial these exercises for no subscription fee for a limited time only, by clicking here.
Fighting brain age - expert offers 10 brain fitness new year's resolutions!
Posted Jan 7 2008 6:04pm
Keeping your brain healthy should be a key New Year's Resolution for all of us. If you're up for the challenge, then Alvaro Fernandez, a leading authority on brain research, says, "There are three things we can strive for: novelty, variety and challenge."
Based on these three things, Fernandez has come up with a list of 10 ways to keep your mind in peak condition in 2008. For the full report in the Huffington Post, click here. Among his resolutions:
* Learn about the brain. The Dana Organization for brain research has a good list of recommended reading on their website. To see it click here.
* Go out of your way to make whatever job you have more stimulating - and make a point of meeting and engaging in conversation with new people.
* Encourage yourself to think critically. Instead of accepting everything at face value, ask yourself 'where is the evidence' at least once a day. The more you practice it, the more you stimulate the brain and refine your judgement.
* Try a computer-based brain training program - Alvaro recommends one that has been designed by a neuropsychologist - a scientist who understands brain cognition, brain structure and function.
HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness offers a world-leading brain training program, developed by neuropsychologist Nicola Gates. As a promotional offer, HeadStrong is offering a strictly limited number of free brain training programs to the first people who apply. Find out more by clicking here.
Healthy Ageing - Canadian campaign urges: keep your brain active
Posted Jan 7 2008 5:44pm
Canadians are being urged to commit to a healthy brain by engaging in healthy living this month in a campaign called Heads Up For Healthier Brains! that is being staged by the Azheimer Society.
"We are asking Canadians to make the commitment to do the things that will keep their brains healthy, things that can also help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease," Scott Dudgeon, CEO of Alzheimer Society of Canada, told news website CNW (for the full report click here.)
These can be as simple as being socially active, choosing a healthy diet and getting a bit more exercise - all proven in recent years to help keep the mind healthy as we age. The Society is also encouraging people to participate in computer-based brain exercises.
HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness offers a wide range of brain exercises aimed at targeting the areas of the brain associated with memory and concentration. Developed by a clinical neuropsychologist, recent studies have proven that regularly doing such exercises can strengthen the brain's memory pathways and ward off age-related brain illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. To find out more, click here.
Brain games - Actress Nicole Kidman makes misleading claims says expert
Posted Jan 6 2008 8:52pm
Actress Nicole Kidman has been criticised by a leading neuroscientist for misleading claims about Nintendo's computer-based program Dr Kawashima's Brain Training.
Kidman, who appears in ads around the world for the product, promotes it by saying, "I've quickly found that training my brain is a great way to keep my mind feeling young." But according to British cognitive neuroscientist Dr Jason Braithwaite, "there is no conclusive evidence showing the continued use of these devices is linked to any measurable and general improvements in cognition."
Dr Braithwate was speaking on behalf of Sense About Science, a charitable trust set up to speak out against the misrepresentation of scientific facts. It recently outed a number of celebrities for endorsing "pseudo science". (For full story, click here). The trust says there is little, if any, evidence to back Kidman's claim.
By comparison, HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness' brain training exercises have been developed following years of neuroscientific research. This scientifically based program is so well regarded that it is currently part of a research program with the University of New South Wales, and has recently been endorsed by a leading Australian health insurer. It's no wonder that the world's foremost neurospychologist Dr Elkhonen Goldberg, Professor of Neurology at New York University, is a member of HeadStrong. To find out more about this exciting brain training program, click here.