Brain Gain: Computerized Training May Boost Cognition in MCI (Medscape):

“Computerized cognitive training (CCT) for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) appears to have a beneficial effect on global cognition, memory, and attention and improves psychosocial functioning, including depressive symptoms, Read the rest of this entry »

Below you can find the full tran­script of our engag­ing Q&A ses­sion yesterday on holistic brain health with clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Paul Nussbaum, author of Save Your Brain. You can learn more about the full Brain Fit­ness Q&A Series Here.

Per­haps one of the best exchanges was: Read the rest of this entry »

Very interesting new study on computerized cognitive training (or brain training), well summarized in LA Times article Memory training improves intelligence in some children, report says. Quote:

The training program used by Jaeggi and co-workers focused on ramping up working memory: the ability to hold in mind a handful of information bits briefly, and to update them as needed. Cognitive scientists consider working memory a key component of intelligence. But they have Read the rest of this entry »

Here is a news digest on brain training to start your stimulating New Year:

Brain training games: Do they work? This piece explores the world of computerized brain training software: Who uses them? Are they worth the expense? You can also check out Sharpbrains Program Evaluation checklist to learn about the 10 ques­tions to ask when choosing a brain fit­ness pro­gram.

Protect your brain: The new issue for athletes. Learn more about ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), the computerized clinical report which is quickly becoming the norm for high schools and colleges Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone these days is talking about education and testing reform, but why is relevant brain research often ignored? Which organ if not the brain does the learning and teaching part? Renowned educator and brain expert Dr. Robert Sylwester shares his recommended Top Brain Books for Educators and Learners to help inform the conversation. A must read!

Save the Date: the 2011 SharpBrains Summit, the second edition of our annual industry and research conference, will take place virtually from March 28th to March 31st 2010. Details will follow soon.

Without further ado…please enjoy the November edition of our monthly eNewsletter:

Research Bites

Football and brain damage: In high-contact sports such as football, even hits not lead­ing to con­cus­sions can affect the brain.

How to take omega-3: Eat­ing fish (source of omega-3) reduces risks of dementia but DHA sup­ple­ments have no effect on Alzheimer’s symp­toms.

Vitamins against Alzheimer’s? A good review shows that Vit­a­min B has unclear effects on memory and cognitive decline.

Brain training helps older drivers: targeted cognitive train­ing can help reduce older dri­vers’ car crashes. Dr. Michelon explains why and how.

Resources and Tips

Top 10 Q&A about Child’s Brain Development: In the 1st part of our series, The Brain across the Lifespan, we answer 10 questions to help you understand the developing brain.

Our Brain on Music: Scott Kaufman shows that there is little evidence that listening to Mozart’s music boosts brain functions. Music can have an effect, but we need to do more than listen.

Working Memory: What is work­ing mem­ory? Why do we care? How can we best enhance it? Dr. Michelon answers these questions through concrete examples and a Q&A.

Books

Rethinking Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment: In this excerpt from their recent book “The Alzheimer’s Solu­tion” Ken Kosik and Linda Clegg pro­pose a new model for brain care: The “cog­ni­tive shop”.

Did You See the Gorilla? Daniel Simons, co-author of  “The Invisible Gorilla”, interviewed by David DiSalvo, tells us about the myth of multi-tasking.

Cognitive Development in the first 20 years: In this excerpt from his latest book “A Child’s Brain”, Dr. Sylwester syn­the­sizes the first 20 years of devel­op­ment.

Council Insights

How will we assess, enhance and repair cognition across the lifespan?: Learn about a brain health revolution in the making and how we can shape it, straight from the new Sharp­Brains Coun­cil for Brain Fit­ness Inno­va­tion.

Brain Teasers

Brain Games for each Cognitive Ability: To understand why we need to go beyond crossword puzzles, stimulate your whole brain with this selection of brain teasers and games.

Have a great December, and please don’t forget to engage via Facebook and Twitter!