Apply more brain training games, exercises and other
techniques to stay mentally sharp for an entire lifetime.
Why? Well, to extend a great quality of life far into the
future! Barring bad genetics, illness or just plain 'ol
brain atrophy from disuse, there is absolutely nothing to
say that mental decline is inevitable. Simply stated, really
exercise your brain -- or else (i.e. constantly challenge and
use it -- or lose it). It sounds somewhat grim, but consider
the current scientific understanding of brain operation.
Scientists used to believe that an individual's brain
reached it's peak by adulthood. After that point, it then
began a slow irreversible decline, taking our advanced
cognitive processing capabilities (problem
solving, pattern recognition, abstract reasoning, etc...)
and basic cognitive processing capabilities (memory, visual
processing, motor control, etc...) with it, leading to dementia.
However, new research has revealed it's not quite that
simple. Nor is mental decline necessarily inevitable. To
understand why, we need to look to a number of startling
brain characteristics uncovered by current research. The brain has
exhibited the ability to physically adapt to demands placed
on it. This doesn't refer to the folding of the cerebral
cortex with which we're so familiar (the squiggly
appearance of grey matter). It refers to the brain's
ability to change or re-assign cognitive processes to
execute in alternate physical regions as needed.
Prior belief had it that specific processing was locked or
fixed to specific regions of the brain. If the organ
that normally fed information to that region were to be
eliminated (for instance blindness)
the resident cognitive capability would cease and that
region of the brain would simply become permanently
inactive, useless. Modern technology has revealed that
this is not the case and that the brain can and does
alter neural group assignment to enhance the processing
power of the remaining cognitive processes (according to
demand). A sightless person for instance develops advanced
hearing, listening and/or tactile ability because the
brain re-maps that processing into what was the visual
processing region. This means that the brain is far, far more
adaptive and demand sensitive than previously thought.
Given this flexibility, its a relatively straight
forward matter to encourage the brain to maintain and/or
increase its processing capabilities through training.
Generally referred to as neural plasticity or brain
plasticity, brain training games and memory exercise
techniques provide their benefits by taking advantage
of the brain's adaptive power. This is accomplished by
keeping it active on a broad front of specially designed
mental tasks. In other words, using as many basic cognitive
processes as possible (memory, visual processing, motor
control, etc...) in a specifically designed pattern of
work demand (somewhat analogous to strength training for
the body).
However, there are other ways to engage in effective brain
training. One is through active learning. In active
learning we use our advanced cognitive processes (critical
thought, creative problem solving, deductive reasoning,
etc..) to acquire and store new knowledge about a subject.
For instance, learning a new musical instrument or foreign
language can exercise abstract reasoning and pattern
recognition. In the case of a musical instrument, it
additionally exercises motor control, and reaction time.
All of which will put demand on memory processes. Learning the
subjects can be time intensive, but each yields its own
motivating rewards as they are mastered (remember how
enjoyable it was after having learned chopsticks by heart?).
Learning is an activity most of our brains are well suited
in performing because we are biologically wired to learn.
Continued active learning is inherently good for the brain
as it forces the continuous normal activity of new
neural cross connections. It is nature's original form of
brain training. Note, to be effective, it's critical
that the brain is acquiring or synthesizing NEW information.
Pouring over information you already know is not enough. It
doesn't cause learning activity.
Of course, the real advantages to engaging in online
brain training games and exercises, is dollar and time
savings. This is because the online exercises and games
are designed to stimulate and work the brain's basic
cognitive processes directly (the advanced cognitive
processes are less intensively involved). This means a tuba
or harp (with sheet music and lessons) are not needed.
Additionally, the games can be reached from any computer
with an internet connection. All in all, most are very
convenient, less expensive than learning to play
timbales or cello and generally provide a lot of good
old fashioned fun (and fun is important - more on
this in a bit).
No matter the approach (online/offline games or active
learning), best results are achieved from a consistent
regimen. For instance, memory processes do not
differentiate between playing daily online memory
strengthening games and french classes three times a week.
Both drive the brain to store, retain and retrieve
information, exercising memory type cognitive processes.
A consistent level of work demand keeps the memory
machinery active and running well.
To the brain, a regular exertive workout (followed by
proper rest) = health, well being, and sustained quality of
life for the mind (over the long haul). However, motivation
and establishing a regimen can be an issue. One way to stay
motivated is to make sure the exercise is fun and/or at least,
interesting. While the brain may not be able to register
boredom, to the mind, it's a sure motivation killer. Therefore,
no matter what, make sure the activity is enjoyable so that
you'll stay motivated to engage in it regularly.
Basic online brain training games and exercises provide
mental stimulation, motivation, challenge and fun. They
help induce a real mental workout and provide an
alternative to some of the inconveniences of active
learning. As long as it's consistent and lifelong, the
more brain training engaged in, (whether active learning
or online games and exercises) the better. Remember, it's
a matter of really use it, (challenge it, stretch it, push it)
and have fun at it, or lose it!
