Alvaro Fernandez

Ever thought you will one day have access to a "personal brain trainer" - and why you would ever want one? I recently had the fortune to interview Dr. Michael Merzenich, a leading pioneer in brain plasticity research, and we discussed precisely that. You may have seen Dr. Merzenich in one of PBS TV Brain Fitness specials, or multiple media appearances. Now is our chance to interview him, and to learn the latest about brain fitness.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety just started recommending a new "brain training" program called DriveSharp, developed by Posit Science. In order to understand why, here we interview Peter Kissinger, CEO of the AAA Foundation. Mr. Kissinger says that he expects many insurance companies will start to offer "brain training" programs for free or at a deep discount to their members, especially older adults, to improve driver safety.

Public libraries moved beyond just offering books long ago, but only now are they actively promoting brain health in the community. If reshaped as Health Clubs of the Brain and the Mind, public libraries would provide a critical service to an aging population and become centers of information and destinations for brain fitness programs.

Groundbreaking brain research has occurred over the last 20 years - without parallel growth of consumer awareness and professional development. Neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg is optimistic, "In the future we may be as aware of cognitive function as we now are obsessed with calories, diets, glycemic index and cardiovascular training". What are the obstacles slowing down progress, and how can we deal with them?

My wife and I recently attended an inspiring Goldman Prize Award ceremony, where seven grassroots environmental change-makers were recognized for their impressive work and resiliency. We did hear too from Al Gore, Tracy Chapman, Robert Redford, and Richard Goldman. What does this have to do with one's brain? well, a recent study showed how volunteering can provide significant brain benefits. Improve the World, Improve your Brain!

In April 2008, Baycrest, a leading research institute focused on aging and brain function, received $10-million from the Ontario Government to create a groundbreaking Centre for Brain Fitness. We have Baycrest's CEO with us today, to explore why and how the XXI century may witness a revolution in Brain Health fueled by new technology.

Here you have The 10 Most Popular Brain Fitness & Cognitive Health Books of 2008, based on book purchases by SharpBrains' readers during 2008. We hope you find them as stimulating as we did - ready to exercise your brain by selecting at least one to read?

You may be thinking about innovative ways to maintain your brain in top shape in 2009. Two recent scientific studies published by Dr. Arthur Kramer and colleagues suggest an intriguing possibility: playing strategy videogames. Especially if you are 60-years-old or over.

I recently had the fortune to interview Dr. Andrew Newberg, one of the leading researchers focused on meditation and the brain. Dr. Newberg has researched the brain impact of meditation, prayer, and how brain function is associated with mystical and religious experiences. In this exclusive interview we explore how meditation can help manage stress, improve attention, and contribute to overall brain health.

The American Medical News, a weekly newspaper for physicians published by the American Medical Association, just published an excellent article on the importance of Exercise - Physical and Mental. One of the physicians quoted in the article is Gary J. Kennedy, MD, Director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in NYC. We asked Dr. Kennedy a few follow-up questions. Enjoy!