When you're racking your brain for gift ideas this holiday season don't forget to put brain training software on your list. You can be pretty sure that they don't already have it, and for the right person it's sure to make you a hit.
If you know someone who enjoys games and puzzles, brain training will make the perfect gift. An effective brain training program (we'll get to that later) stimulates the user in such a way that his or her brain power actually increases, making the training not only enjoyable but useful, too.
But brain training software isn't just for the brainy sort. You may have a loved one who has begun to forget things or worries about the inevitable mental decline that comes with aging. Although you'll have to consider whether the gift will be appreciated in the spirit it's given, buying a brain training program for someone in this category may be the most loving gift you could give.
With brain training programs popping up in gyms, senior housing and schools, it's clear that we're at the start of a trend that will continue to grow. Scientific evidence has proven conclusively that the brain can grow new brain cells and change the way its wired throughout our lives. Not even our core intelligence is thought to be a static quantity any more. The opportunities for the individual (and for the gift giver!) are unlimited.
This all sounds perfect until we go looking for the right brain training software to buy. There are many choices, and without knowing our way around, there seems to be no good way to choose between them.
In any emerging industry there will be sharp differences between the effectiveness and price of the products available. Many brain training programs have been put together with little scientific foundation and less proof of efficacy. Some have excellent pedigree but cost several hundred dollars. And then there are the hidden gems that deliver great things but can be had for pennies on the dollar. How do we know what to buy?
If you're in the market for brain training software, you should keep these key factors firmly in mind:
1. What specific scientific study is the training based on or measured by, and what were the findings of those studies? (Vague, unspecific claims about the training are a red flag.)
2. Is this really training software or just a set of games? Unless the training demands considerable concentration and provide considerable reward it's not going to be of any particular use in generating new cell growth and plastic change. If it does, then it should also be training the core cognitive functions of memory, processing speed, and left-brain, right-brain multi-tasking. This should all be clearly stated by the vendor.
3. Does the vendor recommend a particular training schedule and does the time commitment seem reasonable to fit into the gift recipient's schedule?
Lastly, a comment about cost. In such a new field the old adage "you get what you pay for" simply doesn't apply. Here again it's important to look at what the vendor has to say, if anything, about its pricing. If a product is expensive, why is it expensive? Perhaps the company has simply set a high price because it's carrying a lot of capital investment, or paying a large staff of 'executives.' In these lean times it's worth looking for a product that is both effective and affordable.
But whether you splurge big bucks or track down an affordable gem, it's certain that your research will reward you with a unique and well received gift. - 15266
If you know someone who enjoys games and puzzles, brain training will make the perfect gift. An effective brain training program (we'll get to that later) stimulates the user in such a way that his or her brain power actually increases, making the training not only enjoyable but useful, too.
But brain training software isn't just for the brainy sort. You may have a loved one who has begun to forget things or worries about the inevitable mental decline that comes with aging. Although you'll have to consider whether the gift will be appreciated in the spirit it's given, buying a brain training program for someone in this category may be the most loving gift you could give.
With brain training programs popping up in gyms, senior housing and schools, it's clear that we're at the start of a trend that will continue to grow. Scientific evidence has proven conclusively that the brain can grow new brain cells and change the way its wired throughout our lives. Not even our core intelligence is thought to be a static quantity any more. The opportunities for the individual (and for the gift giver!) are unlimited.
This all sounds perfect until we go looking for the right brain training software to buy. There are many choices, and without knowing our way around, there seems to be no good way to choose between them.
In any emerging industry there will be sharp differences between the effectiveness and price of the products available. Many brain training programs have been put together with little scientific foundation and less proof of efficacy. Some have excellent pedigree but cost several hundred dollars. And then there are the hidden gems that deliver great things but can be had for pennies on the dollar. How do we know what to buy?
If you're in the market for brain training software, you should keep these key factors firmly in mind:
1. What specific scientific study is the training based on or measured by, and what were the findings of those studies? (Vague, unspecific claims about the training are a red flag.)
2. Is this really training software or just a set of games? Unless the training demands considerable concentration and provide considerable reward it's not going to be of any particular use in generating new cell growth and plastic change. If it does, then it should also be training the core cognitive functions of memory, processing speed, and left-brain, right-brain multi-tasking. This should all be clearly stated by the vendor.
3. Does the vendor recommend a particular training schedule and does the time commitment seem reasonable to fit into the gift recipient's schedule?
Lastly, a comment about cost. In such a new field the old adage "you get what you pay for" simply doesn't apply. Here again it's important to look at what the vendor has to say, if anything, about its pricing. If a product is expensive, why is it expensive? Perhaps the company has simply set a high price because it's carrying a lot of capital investment, or paying a large staff of 'executives.' In these lean times it's worth looking for a product that is both effective and affordable.
But whether you splurge big bucks or track down an affordable gem, it's certain that your research will reward you with a unique and well received gift. - 15266
About the Author:
Oxford-trained scientist, author, and technologist, Martin Walker is a member of The British Neuroscience Association, Learning and The Brain, and MENSA. His company Mind Evolve Software publishes free information on the field of neuroscience and brain training as well as effective and affordable brain training software under the brand name Mind Sparke.
