 |
Train your Brain With a New $225m Gaming Market Based on Latest Research on Brain Health and Fitness
Author: Alvaro Fernandez  | Posted: 18-02-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 2 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
Copyright (c) 2008 SharpBrains
A spate of recent news coverage on brain fitness and "brain training" reflects a growing interest in natural, non-drug-based interventions to keep our brains sharp as we age. This interest is very timely, given the aging population, increasing Alzheimer's rates, and soaring health care costs that place more emphasis than ever on prevention and changing lifestyle.
This past Tuesday, the MIT Club of Northern California, the American Society on Aging, and SmartSilvers sponsored an event on The Emerging Brain Fitness Software Market: Building Better Brains to explore the realities and myths of this growing field. Before the panel, I had the chance to present an overview of the state of the Brain Fitness Software Market.
Why are we talking about this field at all? Well, for one, an increasing number of companies are achieving significant commercial success in packaging "brain exercise". An example is the line of Nintendo games, such as Brain Age and Brain Training, that have shipped over 15 million units worldwide despite limited scientific support, since 2005. What is less visible is that a number of companies and scientists are partnering to bring products to market with a more solid clinical validation. We estimate the US market was $225m in 2007 (growing from $100 in 2005). Wheras K12 Education used to be the major segment, adult consumers are responsible for most of that growth: we estimate the consumer segment grew from a few million in 2005 to $80 m in 2007.
Who is buying these products? Yes, of course, many adults over 50 who want to protect their memory are among the pioneers. 78 million baby boomers are eager to try new approaches. A growing number of retirement communities and nursing homes are offering programs to their residents to expand their usual fitness and social activities. And we can't forget about K12 education: certain brain fitness software packages have shown they can help kids who have dyslexia and related difficulties.
Is there science behind these claims? Do these products work? It depends on how we define "work". If "working" means quantifiable short-term improvements after a number of weeks of systematic "brain training" to improve specific cognitive skills, then the answer is that a number of programs do seem to work. If , on the other hand, "working" means measurable long-term benefits, such as better overall brain health as we age, or lower incidence of Alzheimer's symptoms, the answer is that circumstantial evidence suggests they may, but it is still too early to tell.
Are there any public policy implications? We certainly believe that there are. The Center for Disease Control recently partnered with the Alzheimer's Association to develop a comprehensive Cognitive Health roadmap to better guide research efforts and improve public education on the lifestyle habits that every proud owner of a brain could benefit from following. Given the high rates of traumatic brain injuries and stress disorders found in a large number of the men and women coming home from the Iraq war, the military is investing heavily in research to help identify problems to develop tools to solve them, and we expect that research will translate into wider health applications. No presidential candidate, to our knowledge, has directly addressed his or her priorities in the cognitive health realm but, given the growing importance and economic impact of brain-related disorders, we expect that to happen soon.
What are some trends that executives and investors should be looking at to understand this growing market? Let me make a few predictions:
1) An increased emphasis on Brain Maintenance, from retirement communities to gyms and health clubs. Will health clubs one day offer brain fitness programs, and perhaps "brain coaches"? We think so.
2) Better and more widely available assessments of cognitive function will enable of all us to establish an objective baseline of how our minds are evolving, identify priorities for "workouts" and lifestyle interventions, and help us measure progress. Science-fiction? Not really. there are already pretty good tests used in clinical and medical environments, the challenge will be to refine and package those assessments in a consumer-friendly way.
3) We will see more and better computer-based tools, each of which may be more appropriate to work on specific priorities. Just as we find a variety of machines in health clubs today, in the future we can expect different programs tailored to train specific cognitive skills.
4) More non-computer based tools will also provide much value. There is more and more research on how meditation and cognitive therapy, to mention 2 examples, can be very effective in literally re-wiring parts of the brain.
5) Insurance Companies will introduce incentives for member who want to follow brain fitness programs. Perhaps even companies will offer such programs to employees to attract and retain mature workers who want access to the best and the latest innovations to keep their minds sharp.
Now, this being a pretty new field, many questions remain open. For example, how will consumers and institutions receive quality information and education to navigate through the emerging research and the overwhelming number of new programs, separating reality from hype?
In summary, what were the main take-aways from the event?
1. Research indicates that a number of cognitive abilities (attention, memory...) can be assessed and trained
2. An emerging market is starting to develop-growing from an estimated $100m in 2005 to $225m in 2007, in the US alone-, and is poised to keep growing at significant rates.
3. Many companies are currently selling products direct to consumers (as well as through institutions) with sometimes unclear claims - this threatens to confuse consumers and present a major obstacle to the growth and credibility of the sector.
If you are interested in this rapidly growing field, please stay tuned! There are fascinating research reports every month.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/train-your-brain-with-a-new-225m-gaming-market-based-on-latest-research-on-brain-health-and-fitness-336246.html
About the Author:Alvaro Fernandez is the Co-Founder of SharpBrains.com, which will release the report "The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market 2008" on March 4th. SharpBrains has been recognized by Scientific American Mind and Newsweek as expert resource for Online Brain Training. Alvaro holds MA in Education and MBA from Stanford University, and teaches The Science of Brain Health at UC-Berkeley Lifelong Learning. You can learn more at http://www.sharpbrains.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Why Do You Turn Down the Radio When You're Lost?: Multi-tasking and the Brain 101
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 29/02/2008 | Self Improvement
You're driving through suburbia one evening looking for the street where you're supposed to have dinner at a friend's new house. You slow down to a crawl, turn down the radio, stop talking, and stare at every sign. Why is that? Neither the radio nor talking affects your vision. turn down the radio, stop talking, and stare at every sign. Why is that? Neither the radio nor talking affects your vision. Or do they?
Ten Highlights From the Aspen Institute Forum on Health, Wellness and Medical Science
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 09/10/2007 | Health
The Aspen Health Forum just gathered an impressive group of around 250 people to discuss the most pressing issues in Health and Medical Science. Here you have the summary of the top Ten Trends discussed.
Use it or Lose It: the Theory and Practice of Brain Exercise and Fitness for Cognitive Health
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 03/12/2007 | Health
Who has not heard "Use It or Lose It". Now, what is "It"? How do we best exercise it and help maintain it sharp? In this article we will give you a fun overview of how the brain works and 5 Tips to Exercise Your Brain.
Asking 40 Important Health and Medical Questions to the Next US President
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 30/01/2008 | Politics
Dear Mr or Mrs Next US President, The health and medical blogosphere would like to make sure you and your team take into account the 40 issues outlined below as you and your aids formulate your policies and put together the team that will further define and implement them.40 different health bloggers have asked these questions that I now pose to you and your team.
Top 21 Books on Brain Health, Fitness and Training, Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 13/04/2008 | Education
Given the growing media coverage of brain fitness and brain training, we have produced this compilation of the Top 21 Books that help understand these trends, the research behind them, and the implications for all of us. For your easy browsing, we have categorized them into seven groups. Enjoy!
Are Yoga and Meditation Good for My Brain? a Scientific Take on Stress Management
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 03/11/2007 | Health
Yes! Yoga, meditation, and visualization are all excellent ways to learn to manage your stress levels. Reducing stress, and the stress hormones, in your system is critical to your brain and overall fitness. In this article we explore the science behind stress and stress management and include some tips you can start using today.
What Every Parent and Educator Needs to Know About Learning and the Teenager Brain
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 14/01/2008 | Education
Today we are fortunate to interview Dr. Robert Sylwester, a recognized educator of educators who has received multiple awards during his long career as a master communicator of the implications of brain science for education and learning. His most recent book is The Adolescent Brain: Reaching for Autonomy (Corwin Press, 2007).
Brain Age Mythology Compared to What Really Improves Cognitive Health
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 29/06/2008 | Health
Many people have been asking us recently about whether we all have a "Brain Age" and how we can reduce our "brain ages". This concept is a myth, fueled by the (very fun) Nintendo game and a recent PBS campaign promoting a program produced by Posit Science. The concept of having a "brain age" is, itself, profoundly unscientific, as we will show in this article.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Did taking garlic tablets irratate your stomach?
By: Tess | 28-06-2008
did taking garlic tablets irratate your stomach?
Are girls more inclined to cram rather than learn ...
By: drabsv | 11-05-2008
Are girls more inclined to cram rather than learn (with understanding)? If so how does psychology explain this?
Let's assume that those pupils who cram rather ...
By: drabsv | 11-05-2008
Let's assume that those pupils who cram rather than learn (with understanding) do it because it's the easier option of the two for them; that is, they are just following the path of least resistance. If this assumption is correct, then how could possibly cramming be easier for one's mind than learning (with understanding)?What makes it easier? What does psychology have to say about that?
How can I create a euphoric feeling
By: bazw | 02-05-2008
Many times I feel depressed. Many times I would like to feel euphoric, does anyone know an over the counter supplement or combination of supplements that will produce a feeling of euphoria?
What is a substancial number of adnormal high ...
By: Linc200 | 16-04-2008
What is a substancial number of adnormal high signal foci mean?
My mother aged 76 is suffering from degeneration of cranial nerves
By: prasad4818 | 04-04-2008
My mother aged 76 is suffering from degeneration of 9th,11th and 12th cranial nerves. She lost speech from 1.1.2007, tongue does not move and lower lip moves inward gradually. She is unable to eat properly. 50 % of milk poured in mouth comes out immediately. Little amount of rice is taken in the noon. 2-3 biscuits each in morning and night. Now the right leg movement is not that free. weight is 33 kg. pl. reply to my Email id prasad@corpbank.co.in (if not in bulk form of mail ) otherwise to jakkampudi@yahoo.com thanks from Prasad
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Business Articles
The Basics of Creating a Filing System That You Can Benefit From Starting Today
By: Tracey Lawton | 19/07/2008
In my brand-new article, I'm going to share with you 7 easy steps for getting your filing system in place. The summertime is generally a quieter time with a more slower pace of business, so use this time to get one of your core office systems in place.
The 9 Things You Will Want to Include in Your Email Newsletters
By: Katrina Sawa | 19/07/2008
You probably get numerous newsletters across your desk each month. How many of those do you really read? I am sure that you scan certain newsletters for valuable information, while you just toss others. Then, of course, there those like mine (chuckle), which you read every last word of.
How to Establish yourself as an Expert
By: Katrina Sawa | 18/07/2008
Establishing yourself as an Expert in your field is a great way to get added exposure, publicity and credibility for you and your business which will ultimately bring you more sales and more money!!
Women Owning the Workplace: Tips to Guide Female Entrepreneurs
By: Melissa Mashtonio | 18/07/2008
Women are taking the business world by storm, and it doesn't look like they're backing down. According the Womenentrepreneur.com, women-owned firms are the fastest growing in the country. Women are looking beyond the traditional roles and moving ahead to a new role: entrepreneur. This does not necessarily mean women are...
Getting Ahead in the Construction Industry
By: Duncan Freer | 18/07/2008
With new regeneration and Government housing targets, the construction industry is facing the toughest challenges yet. With new projects in commercial and residential developments, growing pressures for sustainable and low impact development and the need for low cost housing, better and faster results are being expected from everyone involved in...
Getting Ahead In The Rail Industry
By: Duncan Freer | 18/07/2008
The rail industry is a greener alternative for travel than any other method at the moment, and as a result is beginning to see an increase in investment and public interest. With the Government and business regulators placing such a huge emphasis on offsetting personal and private carbon emissions it...
Getting Ahead in the Utilities Industry
By: Duncan Freer | 18/07/2008
The Utilities industry is currently facing rapid change and is having to adapt to the many new demands made on it by existing and potential customers. Once dominated by state-run monopolies, the utilities sector of the twenty first century is shifting to respond to emerging competitors who are increasingly savvy...
Recessions Require Leadership From the Core!
By: Axel Meierhoefer | 18/07/2008
When things are going tough, leaders need to step up and deliver more than every. LEading fomr the core is what we need to succeed
More from Alvaro Fernandez
Ready to Measure Your Brain Fitness and Cognitive Health?
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 14/07/2008 | Health
You know your weight. And your physical fitness. And a variety of health-related metrics. What about your brain fitness? In years to come, we can expect a growing number of assessments to help each of us address that precise question, using tools that today are only available to researchers and clinicians, raising both opportunities and concerns. This article explains the importance of this emerging trend.
Brain Age Mythology Compared to What Really Improves Cognitive Health
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 29/06/2008 | Health
Many people have been asking us recently about whether we all have a "Brain Age" and how we can reduce our "brain ages". This concept is a myth, fueled by the (very fun) Nintendo game and a recent PBS campaign promoting a program produced by Posit Science. The concept of having a "brain age" is, itself, profoundly unscientific, as we will show in this article.
Why Smart Brains Make Stupid Decisions on Money, Work and Health
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 21/06/2008 | Business
It happens. Often. Why? We just secured an interview with Ori Brafman, co-author of Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior (Doubleday Business, 2008), to discuss our Dark Side (well, he calls if "different hidden forces" and "psychological undercurrents"). For example, look at the story of Harvard Business School students who paid $204 for a twenty-dollar bill.
Brain Improvement and Cognitive Fitness: Fact or Fiction?
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 06/06/2008 | Health
You may already have a Nintendo Brain Age game, or at least have heard of it. You may also have read recently that start-up Lumos Labs raised $3m to develop "brain training games". In this article I address a few typical questions such as: - Do these programs cure Alzheimer's? - How do I evaluate whether any program is good for me or my clients, patients or residents?
Study: Meditation Can Help Adults and Children With Adhd
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 01/06/2008 | Self Improvement
Travel back, in your mind's eye, to a time when you felt a healthy exhaustion after hiking, biking, playing sports.., and let you re-live that moment as vividly as you can. Congratulations. You have trained your brain. And a recent study shows how techniques like this can help children and adults with attention deficits.
Top Ten Cognitive Health Events in 2007: Brain Fitness Program Explained, and More
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 23/05/2008 | Health
By now, you surely are aware that our brains retain the ability to generate neurons and change over our lifetimes, breaking the scientific paradigm prevalent during the 20th century. And you have read about the growing number of brain games and brain fitness programs offered. Now, you may wonder, why is all this happenning now? To understand that, let's review 10 important events that took place in 2007, a seminal year for the field.
Exercise Your Brain in the Cognitive Age: Reflections on the Brain Games Market
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 06/05/2008 | Business
In the past few days, The New York Times has published two thought-provoking articles on the growing brain and cognitive fitness market. Both raise key questions that politicians, health policy makers, business leaders, educators and consumers should pay attention to. Are our brains ready to compete in the global economy? how can we improve our brain health and mental abilities? can this also helo delay Alzheimer's and other diseases?
Top 21 Books on Brain Health, Fitness and Training, Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis
By: Alvaro Fernandez | 13/04/2008 | Education
Given the growing media coverage of brain fitness and brain training, we have produced this compilation of the Top 21 Books that help understand these trends, the research behind them, and the implications for all of us. For your easy browsing, we have categorized them into seven groups. Enjoy!
|
|
Business 
