3 ms·

Consensus on brain training from the scientific community: http://longevity3.stanford.edu/blog/2014/10/15/the-consensus-on-the-brain-training-industry-from-the

• theseatoms 11y ago
  Thanks. Key paragraph: > “We object to the claim that brain games offer consumers a scientifically grounded avenue to reduce or reverse cognitive decline when there is no compelling scientific evidence to date that they do. The promise of a magic bullet detracts from the best evidence to date, which is that cognitive health in old age reflects the long-term effects of healthy, engaged lifestyles. In the judgment of the signatories below, exaggerated and misleading claims exploit the anxieties of older adults about impending cognitive decline. We encourage continued careful research and validation in this field.”
• kabowen 11y ago
  In contrast, see the 17 articles linked at: http://blog.strong-brain.com/mental-agility/research/ http://blog.strong-brain.com/mental-agility/research/ The situation is no different than that regarding plasticity. One can easily find such "consensus" statements in the pre-50s literature to the effect that brain structure and neuron "allotment" is fixed by adolescence.
  • lqdc13 11y ago
    There are some papers that claim it yes, but there are meta analysis papers that take those into account as well and overall conclusion is that it doesn't help with "fluid intelligence". One can develop new skills though just like with every other activity. Meta analysis: http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/dev/49/2/270/ http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/dev/49/2/270/ Scientific american article about it: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brain-training-doesn-t-make-you-smarter/ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brain-training-doe...
• kabowen 11y ago
  A contrary open letter from over 100 neuroscientists: http://www.cognitivetrainingdata.org http://www.cognitivetrainingdata.org