The “Brain Fitness Program” is the title of a PBS show that aired in December, 2007. There are a variety of brain fitness programs on the market, today, ranging in price from $19.99 for Nintendo’s “Brain Age 2” to $395 for Posit Science’s training program.
With so many different titles to choose from, how do you know which brain fitness program is right for you? You might want to start with some “freebies”. There are many on-line websites that offer brain teasers. If you like them, then you may want to “step-up” to the Nintendo game, if you own a player.
But, primarily, you want a complete plan. Think of it as a health plan for your brain.
As you exercise your body, you also need to exercise your “gray matter”. Regular physical activity is important, including regular aerobic activity 3-5 times per week. Regular physical activity keeps the blood flowing, improves circulation to the brain-cells. If you lead a completely sedentary lifestyle, you will become “duller and duller”.
None of the brain fitness programs that you buy in a box will provide everything that you need for continued mental clarity. Along with regular physical activity, you need a healthy diet.
Certain supplements are extremely beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, have been an integral part of scientifically controlled brain fitness programs for many years. Other supplements on the market include DMAE, but there is limited scientific research concerning the health benefits of the supplement.
If you are not taking a daily supplement at this time, start with fish oil, but make sure you choose carefully, since there is some “bad” stuff out there. Fish oil is the best source of DHA, the omega-3 fatty acid needed to support the brain’s health.
The next thing to work on is your stress level. Brains under stress do not remember things. They get distracted easily and simply cannot focus for long periods of time. Your complete brain fitness program should include regular meditation to reduce stress.
Once you have these things down, you can start looking for stimulating brain fitness programs. If you are going to buy something, it should be well-designed by a learned group of scientists.
Look for a brain fitness program that specifies the benefits you will receive if you use their system. For example, some brain fitness programs are designed to help improve your memory. Others to help improve concentration and still others that may help improve your overall IQ.
The best exercises for our brains are those that teach us something new, hopefully on a daily basis. If a system becomes boring, you aren’t learning anything new. But, if it’s too hard, it can increase your stress level. You should try to find a system that you enjoy, so that you are motivated to “play” and one that has increasingly difficult levels.
I just want to mention that PBS’s “ Brain Fitness Program” is now available on DVD. The program gives an informative overview concerning the emerging science that shows that people do have the ability to grow new brain-cells and neurons. So, if you’re starting to lose your memory, there’s new hope.
