Copyright (c) 2007 SharpBrains
Over the last year we have interviewed more than 10 leading neuroscientists and psychologists worldwide to learn about their research and thoughts, and have news to report.
What can we say today that we couldn't have said only 10 years ago? That what neuroscience pioneer Santiago Ramon y Cajal claimed in the XX century, "Every man can, if he so desires, become the sculptor his own brain", may well become reality in the XXI.
Let's now debunk 10 myths, still too prevalent, that may prevent us from seeing the full potential of this emerging field:
Myth 1: Its 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. Genes predispose us, not determine our fates.
Myth 2: The field of Cognitive/ Brain Fitness is too new to be credible.
-- Reality: The field rests on solid foundations dating back more decades. 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 a number of brain-related problems.
-- Reality: Cognitive training programs are starting to show value as complements to drug-based interventions.
Myth 4: We need to buy very expensive stuff 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.
Myth 6: Crossword puzzles, or our daily job activities, are the best way to keep ones mind sharp.
-- Reality: Computer-based programs can be more effective at training specific cognitive skills.
Myth 7: 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 8: This means kids will spend more time playing videogames.
-- Reality: In Japan the worlds 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 video games more, and we are starting to see the same trend with adults in the US and Europe.
Myth 9: 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 10: This all sounds too soft to be of real value to managers and professionals.
-- Reality: There is nothing soft about the hard science-based training of specific cognitive and emotional skills.
Now you know. Exercising our brains is as important as exercising our bodies!
Got a Question? Ask.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Source of Optimism Found in the Brain.
By: Flo | 28-10-2007
Source of optimism found in the brain.Does that mean that no matter what you've been through, and no matter how you cope with things, you are either optimistic or pessimistc because of the shape of your brain?Isn't that a little sad?
What is the difference between a brain tumor and a ...
By: barbaradunaway | 16-10-2007
what is the difference between a brain tumor and a brain anurysm
How to improve one's memory ?
By: Oron | 16-07-2007
Hi,According to the statistics some 80% of all what we read / listen / see we loose within a day, some 15% more we loose within a week, and some 4% within a month...... (I recall the figures from my memory.... and it's over a month there...... lol....... ) so only about 1% remains. What are the best techniques you use to improve the figures ( = remember better).P.S - I find that Bridge sharpens one's memory. Am I right ?
Is brain damage good for you?
By: shore27 | 27-06-2007
I just read that frontal lobe brain damage helped people solve a mat puzzle (here). There are reports that people with brain damage have shown psychic abilities. Is this true? Is brain damage actually helpful in some areas? Why is that?
The doctors are making me take test after test to ...
By: frusterated | 27-04-2007
the doctors are making me take test after test to dx my symptoms. I did the ssep and the visual tests and they came back all good, my bloodwork is all good, now I have to get the spinal tap done! I have (so far) just 3 spots on my brain, I was reading that the spots could just be from headaches ( and I get bad ones) but anyway my question is, last night the muscle in my thumb in my left hand has all of a sudden started twitching, is that normal? and should I go to the doctors?
What l.s.d do to the brain ?
By: TheLior | 15-04-2007
what l.s.d do to the brain ? (please make it simple :)
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