Over the years, video games have being talked about as a good method to keeping the body fit. But then, can they do the same when it comes to the brain?
Well we have heard of it's possibilities as it's the usual promises behind most commercially available computerized brain-training programs. But then and again, a lot of experts are quick to say “Not so fast.” as persons who play these games tend to get better at those tasks they practice while playing, but then the games do not seem to bring about an improvement in the individuals overall brain skills, which includes attention, use of language, memory and the ability to navigate through.
A particular study sponsored by the Posit Science, the very famous company which created the popular Brain Fitness Program, made use of a standard memory tests to check about four hundres and eighty seven (487) persons which were over the age of sixty five (65). Amongst these, about half of them were assigned to carry out and complete the program’s fourty hour-long sessions. While the other half, which are the control group were asked to see some educational videos and were the questioned. At the end of the study, the users of the software boosted their memory and also attention scores was significantly more than the control group. But then self-reported improvement in everyday situations remained fairly similar -- this was about fourty eight percent (48%) for the group of Brain Fitness versus the control group of fourty percent (40%)
There are no available studies which compares a commercially available program to another one or to hobbies which are mind-stimulating. Other factors which makes it rather tricky to assess the value of brain-building computer programs are the potential possible effect of these programs which become more challenging once the player becomes more successful; the effect of these competitive features in a computer program; and also, the player’s desire to get his or her money’s value from buying the software, some of which are very expensive.
Thus far, it seems like having to simply play games which require a level of concentration doesn't actually help you in remembering some important names, faces, and also appointments. What could work are some practical tools which are designed to address some specific problems which are encountered in one's daily life. There is a little much more to learn on memory-training techniques in this free excerpt of Improving Memory.
Conclusion
Helping the brain to stay sharp, would require you to carry out regular workouts in terms of creative thinking, intellectual focus and problem solving. Stretching and exercising the brain would require you to choose an activity which you enjoy such as doing some crossword puzzles, reading and playing cards. But if you are feeling rather ambitious, you could try learning a new language or playing a new musical instrument. Thes activities could come at a less expensive cost as compared to brain-training programs.
