Article by Gene Suser

There are more brain training games (and exercises) available than hours in the day in which to use them. In fact, with the first day of kindergarten, the brainstarts its lifelong journey of training. So, why use gamesin the first place and how are they useful? Great questions! The answers lie in recent research thatreveals how quality of life (mentally speaking) is influenced by the level and quality of lifelong brain activity. This article takes a look at that relationship andsome fun activities that can enhance it.

For most of the 19th and 20th century, the results of scientific research characterized the model of brain development in the shape of a wave. This is to say, thebrain reached a maximum point of development during adulthood and then began an inescapable downward march intodementia. The once sharp mental processes would simply losetheir potency, irrevocably breaking down due to age.

Today, new research indicates (as with that old Porgy and Bess song) it ain’t necessarily so. Current research indicates the brain has the ability to adapt to new demandsplaced on it. Far beyond simply developing folds with age,this organ has the ability to reconfigure itself in response to information processing demands. This means it can re-assign, re-task or rebuild cognitive processing (sometimes to alternate physical regions) as required.

Though it had been believed that cognitive processing was fixed to specific physical regions of the brain,advances in technology have now shown a much different picture. The brain is much more pliable, subtle and adaptive in handling the information demands coming fromits environment. The key is in maintaining a constant level of demand that keeps the brain developmentally active (as opposed to just keeping your heart beating).

Brain training and exercises leverage this adaptive capability (now referred to as neural plasticity or brainplasticity). These exercises and techniques engage the brain using specially designed basic cognitive processing tasks (for memory, visual processing,response time, etc…) in the form of simple games. These small demands for information processing, essentially exercise the brain by requiring it to really focus,to win the game. The games begin simply. Then ever so gradually, craftily, seductively, they escalate indifficulty until, though your brain is really working, it becomes difficult to pull away. Oddly, in some ways, it’s relaxing.

Of course, there are alternate ways to engage in more brain training. Consider active learning. In active learning our advanced cognitive processes (critical thought, creative problem solving, deductive reasoning, etc..) are brought to bear in acquiring new knowledge aboutsome subject.

An example would be learning a new musical instrument or foreign language. Such endeavors would exercise reaction time, motor control, pattern recognition and abstract reasoning (not to mention a very intense use of basic memory processes). Learning the subjects can be time consuming, though each carries its own rewards when mastered. Learning is an activity most of our brains are well suited in performing. It is the original form of brain training.

A significant advantage derived from engaging in more braintraining games and exercises (online at least), is dollar savings and convenience. Rather than exercise basic cognitive processes through advanced cognitive processactivity, as with active learning, online software based brain training engages the basic processes directly. This approach does not require books, musical instruments or any other item except a computer and an internet connection. All in all, quite convenient and less expensive than most activelearning approaches (tuba and tuba lessons, anyone?). Additionally, online game content is updated as neural research advances.Not to mention, it can be a lot of fun. Who would’ve thought that getting a bigger faster brain could actually be fun?

Regardless of the approach, be sure to engage in a consistently exertive level of activity. This is best because a consistent and rigorous workout level causes the brain to interpret the activity as definite information processing demand requiring an adaptive response. Like a muscle, the brain’s response to significant increased workload is to become stronger (be sure to include a proper amount of rest).

Over the long haul, a regular and rigorous cognitive workout can yield significant health, well-being and long term quality of life benefits. Even though such results are desirable, it can be difficult to generate the needed motivation. That being the case, it is important to make sure to maximize the fun factor associated with a workout regimen. If the workout is not fun, at least make certainthat it is interesting. Otherwise, the least distraction will serve as reason to find something else to do. Where the mind leads, the brain and body will follow. It’s one of the reasons online brain training games tend to be so effective. They start simply, but remain engaging.

Online brain training games are an excellent way to help extend high cognitive function and quality of life. Ashigh-tech research proceeds, we find increasing evidence that the brain has amazing capabilities previously unsuspected. Oddly enough, to take advantage of these capabilities no exotic equipment is needed. Simply by engaging in more brain training games and exercises, the long term health benefits are easily attainable.

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