Posts Tagged ‘Glossary’
A Brain Fitness Vacation
A year ago we wrote a Glossary where we defined Brain Fitness as “the general state of good, sharp, brain and mind, especially as the result of mental and physical exercise and proper nutrition” and a Brain Fitness Program as a “structured set of brain exercises, usually computer-based, designed to train specific brain areas and…
Read MoreNeuroplasticity 101 and Brain Health Glossary
Given the growing number of articles in the popular press mentioning words such as “neuroplasticity”, “fMRI” and “cognitive reserve”, let’s review some key findings, concepts and terms. First, a prescient quote by Spanish neuroscientist Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1852–1934): “Every man can, if he so desires, become the sculptor his own brain”. Thanks to new neuroimaging…
Read MoreBooks on neuroplasticity and memory training
Neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections throughout life. (see more concepts in our Glossary). We coudn’t be happier about the growing number of books popularizing the key lessons about brain training that Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg has been researching and writing about for years, and that motivated us to embark ourselves…
Read MoreBrain Health Newsletter, February Edition, and Brain Awareness Week
Press: see what CBS and Time Magazine are talking about. SharpBrains was introduced in the Birmingham News, Chicago Tribune and in a quick note carried by the American Psychological Association news service.Website and Blog Summary.We hope you enjoy our new Home Page.Cognitive NeuroscienceBrain Fitness GlossaryCognitive Reserve and LifestyleHeart Rate Variability as an Index of Regulated Emotional RespondingNeuroscience Interview Series: on learning and “brain gyms“EducationCounseling center offers biofeedback to help decrease stressLifelong learning, literally: neuroplasticity for students, boomers, seniors…Health & WellnessWant to Improve Memory?… Do I need anything else?Learning Slows Physical Progression of Alzheimer’s DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentImproving Your Brain Tools: Reading Emotional Messages in the FaceEnhancing the Trader’s Self-Control.Brain Teasers.Exercise Your Brains — Visual Logic Brain TeaserBrain Workout for Your Frontal LobesBlog Carnivals: collection of best blog articles around particular topics.We hosted Encephalon #15: Neuroscience and Psychology Blog Carnival.And launched Brain Fitness Blog Carnival #1.
Read MoreBrain Fitness Blog Carnival #1
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Brain Fitness Blog Carnival. The timing couldn’t be better you have probably seen the featured CBS News/TIME Series on Brain Neuroplasticity. Thanks to the over 40 people who submitted posts. We have had to select the posts we enjoyed the most to help facilitate an engaging and informed…
Read MoreTis Better to Give Than to Receive
Researchers have found that the mesolimbic pathway is activated by charitable giving. This area is one of the major pathways where you find the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with the brain’s pleasure system. Furthermore, donating also appears to increase the release of oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in social bonding and building trust between people.
So this holiday, find a way to give back. Not only will it make you feel better, but social activities are good stress reducers too. If you and your family are at each others’ throats with too much togetherness, plan an activity together.
Go feed the hungry at a local community center, Walk the dogs at a local shelter, Visit the sick at a hospital, Clean a park or beach together. Having an activity together will take the focus off of each other and give you a reason to work together, bond, and enjoy your dopamine/oxytocin rush. It’s good for your brain.