health

Can Software Really Help Prevent Memory Loss?

Friday, 09 October 2009 03:48 |

The human brain is incredibly good at recognizing patterns and acting on previously-gathered information that you may or may not consider consciously. But the brain requires exercise to stay sharp and at its peak efficiency, so many who suffer memory loss—or fear they might—are looking for ways to prevent it.

Ironically, computers—devices we humans have built to mimic how our own brains work—are now helping us prevent memory loss. Scientifically and clinically proven, computer software, such as that developed by Posit Science, targets certain abilities of the human brain, and engages and exercises them. This software has been proven to work with many types of mental disabilities that affect the memory, including Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

The benefits of these programs are not limited only to those with disabilities, however. Even those of us who do not suffer from any particular maladies may have trouble remembering and focusing, from time to time. This software can help even these more mundane issues.

Our brains are biological computers that are—naturally—as inefficient as they are enormously powerful. But by helping our brains become even a little more efficient at every-day tasks, we can harness more brain-power. Various clinical studies have shown that this type of software can double the speed at which our brains process what we hear. It can also directly improve how our brains process information by increasing activity in the areas that control how we direct our attention. By teaching our brains how to think more efficiently, we can develop more effective ways to process the information we receive. This means brain capacity is freed up for other things—be that more information, or something more pleasurable.

Can software, when used correctly, help prevent memory loss? The answer is, undoubtedly, yes, and we are just beginning to discover exactly how much!

Check the sites below for more information:

· http://www.positscience.com/

· http://www.sharpbrains.com/resources/web-sites/

· http://www.dana.org/resources/seniors/

· http://www.aarp.org/health/healthyliving/brain_health/

· http://alz.org/we_can_help_brain_health_maintain_your_brain.asp

Last Updated (Wednesday, 28 October 2009 10:48)

Neuroplasticity: The Next Big Thing to Prevent Dementia?

Thursday, 08 October 2009 20:32 |

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The definition of neuro-plasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

The idea of neuro-plasticity has been argued and debated since the early 1900’s. Some researchers have claimed that the brain was set and inflexible after childhood, while others claimed that the brain could evolve—and perhaps even repair itself after injury.

If, for instance, one hemisphere of the brain is damaged, the undamaged half can begin forging new connections to take over some functionality. This reorganization of the adult brain is not yet completely understood, but researchers are studying such mechanisms as axon sprouting. Axons, which transmit neural signals—that is, information—branch out and connect with others, producing new pathways. That the brain can heal itself from injury or disease is exciting news for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The concept of neuro-plasticity is exciting, but still in its infancy as far as research and testing. Research seems to show that voluntary exercise and brain-teasing puzzles and games stimulate the brain to adapt and produce new pathways, but this research is not yet conclusive. So should you do daily crosswords and Sudoku? Though they may not yet be proven techniques for maintaining a “limber brain,” they certainly can’t hurt. But more study is needed on neuro-plasticity to identify which techniques will substantially reduce brain disease and degeneration.

Last Updated (Thursday, 22 October 2009 03:22)

Health

Can Software Really Help Prevent Memory Loss?

Neuroplasticity: The Next Big Thing to Prevent Dementia?