As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice that their
memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be. We suddenly
can't remember where we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old
acquaintance's name, or the name of an old 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 increasingly showing that there's actually a lot
that can be done. It turns that the brain needs exercise in much the
same way our muscles do, 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, because these connections are made
through effort and practice, scientists believe that intelligence can
expand and fluctuate according to mental effort.
Now, a new San Francisco Web-based company has taken it a step
further and developed the first "brain training program" designed to
actually help people improve and regain their mental sharpness. Called Lumosity, it was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford University.
Lumosity,
is far more than an online place to exercise your mental skills.
That's because they have integrated these exercises into a Web-based
program that allows you to systematically improve your memory and
attention skills. The program keeps track 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 vary your
muscle use.
Does it work?
Apparently it does. In randomized, controlled clinical trials, Lumosity
was shown to significantly improve basic cognitive functions. One study
showed 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 training with the
Lumosity program.
The company says its users have reported clearer and quicker
thinking, improved memory for names, numbers, directions, increased
alertness and awareness, elevated mood, and better concentration at work
or while driving.
While many of the games at Lumosity are free, a modest subscription fee is required to use the full program over the long term.
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.
Click here to try for yourself.
