Brain Training Program
| As the passage of time, we realize different changes in our body. Such change is realized in our brain too. As many people reach the middle age, they often start to realize that their memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be. We will forget where we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintance’s name or the name of an old music band, we used to love. As the brain fades, we euphemistically refer to these occurrences as “senior moments.” |
While seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a detrimental impact on our professional, social, and personal well-being.
It happens to most of us, but is it inevitable?
Neuroscientists are showing that there’s actually a lot that can be done. Our brain also needs regular exercise as our muscles and the right mental workouts can significantly improve our basic cognitive functions. Thinking is essentially a process of making neural connections in the brain. To a certain extent, our ability to excel in making the neural connections that drive intelligence is inherited. However, these connections are made through effort and practice. Scientists believe that intelligence can expand and fluctuate according to mental effort.
A new San Francisco Web-based company developed the first “brain training program” designed to help people to improve and regain their mental sharpness. The brain training program that is Lumosity was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford University.
Lumosity, is an online place to exercise your mental skills. They have integrated this exercise into a web-based program that allows you to systematically improve your memory and attentions skills. The program also developed such mechanism that keeps the record of your progress and provides detailed feedback on your performance and improvement. Most importantly, it constantly modifies and enhances the games you play to build on the strengths you are developing- much like an effective exercise routine requires you to increase resistance and very your muscle use.
Does it work?
Actually it works. While conducting clinical trials, Lumosity was shown to significantly improve basic cognitive functions. One study also showed that students improved their scores on math tests by 34 percent after using Lumosity for six weeks, significantly greater gains than those made by other students in the same class, who were not in training with the Lumosity program.
The company also said that users have developed clearer and quicker thinking, improved memory for names, numbers, directions, increased alertness and awareness, elevated mood, and better concentration at work or while driving.
There are some free games at Lumosity that are offered free of cost. But if you want to use full program over the long term, you have to pay a modest subscription fee.
However, Lumosity is currently offering a free trial of their program to new users so that you can see how well it works before you decide to subscribe. The trial is completely free (no credit card required) and the company believes the results will speak for themselves.