Leading neuroscientists and practitioners debunk common myths related to health and fitness of the brain in a new whitepaper from SharpBrains, Inc. The 11 experts help illuminate the growing research on the role of "brain exercise" for brain fitness, one of the promising areas being discussed this week during the 37th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego.
Health and Medicine-related myths
- Myth 1: It's all in our genes. Reality: A big component of our lifelong brain health and development depends on what we do with our brains. Our own actions, not only our genes, influence our lives to a large extent.
- Myth 2: The field of Brain Fitness is too new to be credible. Reality: The field rests on solid foundations dating back more than a decade - what is new is the number and range of tools that are now starting to be available for healthy individuals.
- Myth 3: Medication is and will remain the only evidence-based intervention for problems such as ADD/ ADHD for many years to come. Reality: Cognitive training programs are starting to show value as complements to drug-based interventions.
Education-related myths
- Myth 4: We need to buy expensive computer-based programs to improve our brains. Reality: Every time we learn a new skill, concept or fact, we change the physical composition of our brains. Lifelong learning means lifelong neuroplasticity.
- Myth 5: Schools should just focus on basic skills like Reading and Math. Reality: "Mental muscles," such as working memory, are fundamental to academic performance and are currently overlooked by the school system.
Corporate Training myths
- Myth 6: On-the-job training is the only way to train one's mind. Reality: Computer-based programs can be more effective at developing specific "mental muscles."
- Myth 7: Brain exercise is only for seniors. And, only about memory. Reality: People of all ages can benefit from a variety of regular brain exercises. For active professionals, managing stress and emotions is often a good first step.
- Myth 8: This all sounds too soft to be of real value to business people. Reality: There is nothing soft about the hard science-based training of specific cognitive and emotional skills.
Gaming-related myths
- Myth 9: Videogames are always a waste of time. Reality: Scientifically designed, computer-based programs can be a good vehicle for training specific skills. For example, it has been shown that short term memory can be expanded by such programs.
- Myth 10: This means kids will spend more time playing videogames. Reality: In Japan - the world's earliest adopter of brain-related videogames - overall home videogame sales have declined, with children playing less over time. Interestingly, adults in Japan have started to play brain-related videogames more.
For more information about health and fitness and the brain, visit www.SharpBrains.com.
