Targeted Cognitive Exercises Improve Mental Abilities
Training with cognitive exercises can improve targeted mental functions, conclude the authors of a review article published recently in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The authors (Kathryn Papp and Stephen Walsh from the University of Connecticut and Peter Snyder from Brown University) reviewed ten randomized controlled trials involving cognitive training interventions in healthy adults published since 1992. They find that specific abilities such as memory, reasoning, and speed of processing can be improved through targeted training programs. This is an important conclusion, and it is consistent with the growing evidence in support of the effectiveness of cognitive training.
The authors point out that the benefits of cognitive training tend to be specific to the trained domain. So, if you want improved memory — train on games designed to improve memory. If you want improved attention — train with attention games, and so on. The relationship to physical exercise is apparent. If you want big biceps — do curls. If you want ripped abs — do sit ups. Lumosity was designed with these principles in mind. This is why the site contains over 30 games targeting cognitive functions spanning speed of processing, memory, attention, flexibility, and problem solving — a complete gym for the brain.
It is also clear from this review that there is still much to learn. Few of the studies have follow-up testing longer than a few months, and many of them lack measures of real-world benefits such as activities of daily living. However, where longer follow-ups and real-world benefits are measured, benefits are seen to be long lasting and quite general. For example, in the ACTIVE study of cognitive training in normal healthy older adults, benefits to activities of daily living are seen 5 years after the training intervention ended.
While there is still much to learn, the weight of the evidence is showing that cognitive training can be highly effective when properly designed and executed.
Jan 07, 2010
So far I think its great. — How much??? $$$
Jan 08, 2010
I have multiple sclerosis and cognitive function is a big obstacle. This website helps quite a bit.
Jan 11, 2010
So great and helpful to all of us.
Jan 12, 2010
I have been working out on this website for some time now, i have statistically improved more than 200% since a month of use, i could not translate this betterment in day to day life as i am not gainfully employed. Even then i find my self quiet alert and sharp in many activities. i also want to desperately improve my working memory and long term memory.
how can i ???
A major setback for me is in the form of emotional quotient, is there any exercise to improve the EQ.
This is one aspect of brain i want to work on desperately.
Jan 12, 2010
Can I find out how I did in age terms – there was a comment that implied that I could, I thought.
Thanks, anyway. I came upon this site through The Guardian Weekly site and am very pleased to have done so, as I have a seriously inconveniencing problem with my short-term memory; also panic reactions, which it might also help with.
Jan 13, 2010
I want to make more friends
Jan 16, 2010
so far i quite like it but i was looking at the couses designed for different condisions like dhd and would like to make a suggestion, to make for one for dislexics. As we have to keep reading and pracicing differnt skills to keep us able to solve challanges most peolple would find easy. And to help to learn to keep calm under prssure as most people with dislexa would tell you they get worse when fustrated and under presure. But the more you practice the things that give you trouble the easer it is to cope but then you lose that practice that the ladder gets higher and you lose confidance in the abilites you once had.
Jan 16, 2010
its quiet helpful
though i had joined it jst some ago
bt still i think if i ll dis site 4 a long time it would be quiet helpful related to brain activities
Jan 18, 2010
Iq 104 old 1900 1870 year iq if you go by
that 95 hiq 1.0 top.
Apr 17, 2010
Many thanks for your explanation and taking the time to email me as well