"Alvaro Fernandez synthesizes and translates the latest neuroscience into provocative, compelling, and entertaining stories of mental fitness and the future of the brain." --David Pescovitz, Research Director, Institute for the Future.
Are you seeing all the articles about Brain Fitness and Training in the popular press and wondering, “What is this all about?”, “Can someone help us navigate through all the research, information and programs out there?”.
Alvaro Fernandez, SharpBrains' co-founder and CEO, speaks regularly to a wide range of audiences in both small, informal groups and large, more formal ones. He recently wrote the acclaimed article Brain Health Business Grows With Research and Demand for the American Society on Aging.
A leading voice and thought-leader in the growing science-based brain fitness market, Alvaro has been quoted by The New York Times, Reuters, Congressional Quarterly Researcher, Los Angeles Times, Forbes, MSNBC, MarketWatch, among others. He co-authored the pioneering The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market 2008, and is a guest blogger at the Huffington Post.
Upcoming Conferences
>> December 5th, San Antonio, Texas: The Emerging Brain Fitness Field: Overview of Research and Tools, at the International Council on Active Aging conference. (Information here).
>> March 15-19th, Las Vegas: The State of the Brain Fitness Market in 2009, at the ASA/ NCOA annual conference.
Recent Events
>> November 17th, New York City: The Emerging Brain Fitness Field: Research and Implications, at New York Public Library.
>> November 7-9th, Dubai: Global Agenda Councils Inaugural Summit in Dubai, organized by the World Economic Forum. (Information here).
>> November 1st, Berkeley, CA: The Science and Practice of Brain Fitness, at UC-Berkeley's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. (Information here).
>> October 22nd, Pocatello, Idaho: Cognitive and Emotional Training for Healthy Aging, at the Idaho Conference on Health Care. (Information here).
>> October 9th, Vancouver, Canada: Exercising Our Brains 101 and Navigating The Brain Fitness Maze, at the British Columbia Seniors Living Association annual conference.
>> September 4-5th, San Francisco, CA: several Brain Health Promotion sessions, at the American Society on Aging conference.
>> June 9th, 2008: Brain Fitness Trends and Assisted Living Communities, at the California Assisted Living Association Spring Conference.
>> May 28th, 2008: Brain Fitness Myths and Realities, at San Francisco Superior Court.
>> May 15th, 2008: Cognitive and Emotional Training (Brain Fitness) for Healthy Aging, at the Institute on Aging's seminar on Brain Health Across the Lifespan.
>> May 9th, 2008: The State of the Brain Fitness Market, at the Games for Health Summit.
>> April 29th, 2008: New Developments in Cognitive Retraining Technology, at the Innovation Institute.
>> April 28th, 2008: Panel on Latest Brain Research Trends, at the Learning and the Brain Conference.
>> March 4th, 2008: Use Your Head-The Future of Mind Hacks, at O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. More information here.
>> February 12th, 2008: The Emerging Brain Fitness Market, at an MIT Club of Northern California/ ASA/ SmartSilvers event. More information here.
>> February 7th, 2008: Sharpening Minds through Computerized Cognitive and Emotional Training Programs, at the Learning & The Brain Conference.
>> October 10th: Science at Work, Interview at the event The Future of Work: Amplified Individuals, Amplified Organizations, organized by the Institute for the Future.
Some clips
> The 4 Pillars of Brain Health. 1:18 min.
> The Emerging Brain Fitness Market. 90-minute-long talk and panel discussion. Alvaro starts at minute 8.
> The Evolutionary Brain. 4:56 min.
Some recent topics
1. Brain Fitness: Fact or Fiction
Alvaro will summarize the key research behind cognitive and emotional training and provide a landscape of key trends and players. Neuroscientists have shown how the human brain retains neuroplasticity (the ability to rewire itself) and neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) during its full lifetime, leading to a new understanding of what aging means. Alvaro will review the science behind some key concepts and explore their implications on our lifestyles: neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, the Cognitive Reserve theory for healthy aging, computer-based cognitive training programs, emotional self-regulation, and the 4 pillars for lifelong Brain Health: good nutrition, stress management, and physical and mental exercise.
2. The Emerging Brain Fitness Market
Scientific, technological and demographic trends have converged to create a new $225m market in the US alone: software and online applications that can assess and train cognitive abilities, both sharpening minds and contributing to healthier aging. Alvaro Fernandez will summarize the science, key market segments, players and trends, and discuss the implications for Consumer Health, Healthcare Providers, K12 Education, and Corporate America.
3. Exercising Our Brains for Peak Health and Performance
New and challenging situations – such as taking on new responsibilities– can trigger reactions in our brain and body that limit or even block our decision-making abilities. These reactions may also harm our long-term brain power and health. Although we cannot avoid change and stressful situations, we can learn how to manage our mindset and actions to ensure peak performance-even in tough moments. The latest neuroscience research shows how skills such as decision-making under pressure are trainable “mental muscles”. Attendants will leave this fun workshop with both memorable insights and A-Ha moments and practical skills for their everyday life.
If you are interesting in learning more, please email Alvaro at information@sharpbrains.com indicating the details of your Speaking Inquiry.
