A new study published in the science journal Nature states that there is no empirical support to show that using those computerized brain training programs actually improve overall cognitive functioning. The study followed 11,430 participants over six weeks using the cognitive training tasks claimed to improve such things as reasoning, memory, planning, and attention.
The results showed that these training sessions only improved the participants ability to do well on those specific games. However, there was no statistical proof that what was learned transferred to over all untrained tasks or lead to general improvement in the level of cognitive functioning.
That being said, this does not mean that we can basically sit back on the couch and just watch sitcoms. There is ample research to support the fact that the brain does need to be stimulated in order for us not to lose what we already have.
Things that have been shown to help in this area are reading, crossword puzzles, learning a new language, and learning to play a musical instrument. According to neurologists, Dr. Amen, of PBS fame, states that along with nutrition and exercise, these activities mentioned can have a positive effect on the overall health of your brain.
When we begin to learn something new it does force our brain to build new neuron pathways. These new neuron pathways are most often developed when we are learning something totally new rather than just reinforcing what we already know.
As business owners and entrepreneurs having a mental edge is truly beneficially as it allows us to solve problems and develop new ideas to grow our businesses. At Bay Area Mastermind we include research and ideas to help bolster our members abilities. If you would like to try out a meeting, click here or call our office for details