Oct 28, 2007
Cognitive Development and Brain Research: Articles, Books, Papers (ASA)
By: Alvaro Fernandez
We had a very fun session titled Teaching Brain Fitness in Your Community at an American Society on Aging (ASA) conference for health professionals a couple of weeks ago. Full house, with over 60 attendants and very good participation, showing great interest in the topic. I can’t wait to see the evaluations.
These are some of the resources I promised as a follow-up, which can be useful to everyone interested in our field:
Good general articles in the business and general media:
On how new neurons are born and grow in the adult brain:
On the surprising plasticity and development potential throughout life:
Other important aspects:
On the importance and impact of mental stimulation and training:
On the role of mental stimulation in protecting the brain:
On Training the Brain to help people with ADD/ADHD:
Training the Brain: Cognitive therapy as an alternative to ADHD drugs
On the importance of building a Brain Reserve:
Selected Scientific Abstracts:
Ball K, Berch DB, Helmers KF, et al. Effects of cognitive training interventions with older adults: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002;288:2271-81.
Klingberg T, Fernell E, Olesen PJ, et al. Computerized training of working memory in children with ADHD–a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2005;44:177-86.
Mahncke HW, Connor BB, Appelman J, et al. Memory enhancement in healthy older adults using a brain plasticity-based training program: a randomized, controlled study. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2006;103:12523-8.
Scarmeas N, Stern Y. Cognitive reserve and lifestyle. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2003;25:625-33.
Tarraga L, Boada M, Modinos G, et al. A randomised pilot study to assess the efficacy of an interactive, multimedia tool of cognitive stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2006;77:1116-21.
Willis SL, Tennstedt SL, Marsiske M, et al. Long-term effects of cognitive training on everyday functional outcomes in older adults. JAMA. 2006;296:2805-14.
Great popular science books by our Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor
The Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes and the Civilized Mind – by Elkhonon Goldberg
The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older – by Elkhonon GoldbergÂ
With a health/medical angle
Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program that Improves Your Mind and Memory – by Dharma Singh Khalsa
The Memory Prescription: Dr. Gary Small’s 14-Day Plan to Keep Your Brain and Body Young – by Gary Small
Fascinating, user-friendly scientific books
A User’s Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain – by John J. Ratey
Best of the Brain from Scientific American - a selection of essays
In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind - by Eric Kandel
Magic Trees of the Mind – by Marian Diamond
Mapping the Mind – by Rita Carter
Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind – by V. S. Ramachandran
Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves - by Sharon Begley
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide To Stress, Stress Related Diseases, and Coping – by Robert M. Sapolsky
Good combination of information and activities
Building Mental Muscle: Conditioning Exercises for the Six Intelligence Zones – by David Gamon and Allen D. Bragdon
A very good post!
Thank you.
Glad you find it useful, Jeferson!
Can you share with us your thoughts on ‘Brain entrainment’ software like Holosync etc.?
Hello Joseph, I have not been able to find any research paper on Holosync, so there is not much we can evaluate.
Feel free to given me other names, and will take a look.
Alvaro – Thank you for responding. My question was more towards understanding the efficacy of Brain Entrainment Software in general?Holosync was one name I discovered on the internet; other names include Hemi-sync etc.