Does brain training really work?
It depends — not all brain training programs are the same. Currently, the neuroscience evidence-based, cognitive skills training shares an industry with brain games designed for our entertainment. There is a world of difference in the outcomes you can expect.
- Brain Training is designed to build, rejuvenate and/or recover brain systems to a higher level of efficiency; whereas,
- Brain Games are designed to entertain. It is typically a fun activity such as crosswords, Sudoku, and some digital brain games, but these games DO NOT drive long-term change from a neurological approach – they do not push the brain to a higher level of performance. By all means, continue to have fun, but understand this difference so you are not expecting outcomes that are not possible with your entertainment/game.
The Power of Brain Plasticity
The brain is plastic and with the correct brain training, you can develop, strengthen, and/or re-boot your brain performance. This impacts your quality of life.
“The discovery that the brain is plastic – that it can remodel itself for better health and function at any age – can change the trajectory of life for every one of us. This knowledge should encourage everyone who wants to live their best life . . . but you just have to expend a bit of effort to engage that plasticity”
Dr. Michael Merzenich, PhD
Do right by your brain – and yourself – by exercising your brain with evidenced-based brain training.
What is brain training?
Brain training is a structured and efficient use of mental exercises designed to build targeted brain-based networks and capacities — aiming to improve specific brain functions. Since “neurons that fire together wire together”, repeatedly stimulating (i.e. exercising) a specific network of neurons results in new and strengthened connections in this network. This translates into improved neuronal efficiency that can result in better and more sustained performance. This is not about your academic credentials, your knowledge, or IQ but rather the efficiency and effectiveness of your individual brain performance.
Remember, your brain is plastic. You – anyone, everyone – can be stronger, more capable, more competent, and more intelligent. Brain plasticity is about getting the most out of each brain.
As we all know, people differ quite a bit from one another in how much information they can maintain, manipulate, remember, and transform in their heads at one time. Crucially, these differences relate to important outcomes.
What should you look for in a brain training program?
- It is important to have a training program to fit your individualised needs.
- Are the exercises evidence-based for the outcomes expected?
- Does the program adapt to your brain needs and your personality?
- Do the exercises keep your brain challenged . . . but not asking what is not obtainable at this moment in time?
- Is the brain training program accessible whenever you want to use it?
- Does your program have measurement tools in order for you keep abreast of your progression?
- Does your individualised program adapt to your current performance after a break in time?
Contact FitBrain™ to chat about setting up your individualised cognitive skills training program .