It's gift-giving season again, and the challenge of coming up with novel gift ideas is beginning to loom. That's where brain training software comes in. Brain training is still new enough to ensure that you'll be buying a gift not a re-gift. And for the loved one in your life who can be a particular challenge to buy for, brain training software may be just the answer.
Do you know someone who loves puzzles, craves mental stimulation, and likes a challenge? Good brain training software not only meets these requirements but can also improve a person's ability to solve those puzzles and meet those mental challenges, making it doubly rewarding.
And if you know someone who doesn't get to the mental gym much any more, but has begun to rue the resulting mental flab, brain training software could be just the answer. Just as we may roll our eyes when our nearest and dearest buys us a pair of running shoes (when we haven't broken a sweat in years), we'll be secretly pleased that you care enough to invest in our mental well being.
Scientific studies been steadily mounting evidence that brain training can be useful and productive at any stage in life. Studies of schoolchildren show that it helps improve test scores. And studies of seniors shows that it can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms. One study even found that training short term memory can increase intelligence. All of which makes brain fitness software a uniquely flexible gift.
But before you scurry off to put a few copies in your shopping cart, we must address the thornier question of which brain training program to buy. As with so many things in this world, choosing the right brain fitness software isn't so easy.
In any emerging industry there will be sharp differences between the effectiveness and price of the products available. Many brain training programs have been put together with little scientific foundation and less proof of efficacy. Some have excellent pedigree but cost several hundred dollars. And then there are the hidden gems that deliver great things but can be had for pennies on the dollar. How do we know what to buy?
This checklist will help you choose wisely:
1. What specific scientific study is the training based on or measured by, and what were the findings of those studies? (Vague, unspecific claims about the training are a red flag.)
2. Does the training meets the baseline goals for plastic change in the brain - that it demands focus and attention with a rewarding exercise, and that it progressively trains core brain functions (such as working-memory, processing speed and left / right brain interaction)? As with anything worth the effort, if it's not challenging, it won't work.
3. What's the timing and time requirement of the training program to produce the stated benefits? The vendor should be clear about how much time is needed and how long the recommended training program will last.
Buying the right brain training product isn't as straightforward as buying the most expensive. In this new market, price doesn't determine quality. In these turbulent economic times this gives us an opportunity to find a product that is not only effective but affordable.
But one things is certain, a little digging will produce a unique and uniquely satisfying gift for someone on your list this holiday season. - 15359
Do you know someone who loves puzzles, craves mental stimulation, and likes a challenge? Good brain training software not only meets these requirements but can also improve a person's ability to solve those puzzles and meet those mental challenges, making it doubly rewarding.
And if you know someone who doesn't get to the mental gym much any more, but has begun to rue the resulting mental flab, brain training software could be just the answer. Just as we may roll our eyes when our nearest and dearest buys us a pair of running shoes (when we haven't broken a sweat in years), we'll be secretly pleased that you care enough to invest in our mental well being.
Scientific studies been steadily mounting evidence that brain training can be useful and productive at any stage in life. Studies of schoolchildren show that it helps improve test scores. And studies of seniors shows that it can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms. One study even found that training short term memory can increase intelligence. All of which makes brain fitness software a uniquely flexible gift.
But before you scurry off to put a few copies in your shopping cart, we must address the thornier question of which brain training program to buy. As with so many things in this world, choosing the right brain fitness software isn't so easy.
In any emerging industry there will be sharp differences between the effectiveness and price of the products available. Many brain training programs have been put together with little scientific foundation and less proof of efficacy. Some have excellent pedigree but cost several hundred dollars. And then there are the hidden gems that deliver great things but can be had for pennies on the dollar. How do we know what to buy?
This checklist will help you choose wisely:
1. What specific scientific study is the training based on or measured by, and what were the findings of those studies? (Vague, unspecific claims about the training are a red flag.)
2. Does the training meets the baseline goals for plastic change in the brain - that it demands focus and attention with a rewarding exercise, and that it progressively trains core brain functions (such as working-memory, processing speed and left / right brain interaction)? As with anything worth the effort, if it's not challenging, it won't work.
3. What's the timing and time requirement of the training program to produce the stated benefits? The vendor should be clear about how much time is needed and how long the recommended training program will last.
Buying the right brain training product isn't as straightforward as buying the most expensive. In this new market, price doesn't determine quality. In these turbulent economic times this gives us an opportunity to find a product that is not only effective but affordable.
But one things is certain, a little digging will produce a unique and uniquely satisfying gift for someone on your list this holiday season. - 15359
About the Author:
Oxford-trained scientist, author, and technologist, Martin Walker is a member of The British Neuroscience Association, Learning and The Brain, and MENSA. His company Mind Evolve Software publishes free information on the field of neuroscience and brain training as well as effective and affordable brain plasticity exercises under the brand name Mind Sparke.
