Update (01/07/08): The most popular question we got when we announced that PBS had a great special on Brain Fitness Program and Neuroplasticity in December was, when will the DVD be available?
Well, finally here it comes. You can click on the DVD image or the title to go over to PBS shop to learn more and buy it.
The Brain Fitness Program DVD ($24.95, shipped by 02/01/08)
"This program presents a workout to help viewers get their brains in better shape. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt — even rewire itself. In the past two 
years, a team of scientists has developed computer-based stimulus sets that drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional changes in the brain. Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California San Francisco and his colleagues around the world have been leading this effort; he brings the research findings, along with a scientifically based set of brain exercises, to PBS viewers in this innovative and life-altering program. Peter Coyote (pictured) narrates. "
To purchase: please click Here.
PBS aired in December a special program on neuroplasticity, brain fitness, aging and the brain titled "Brain Fitness Program". You can check local times and listings:
To watch the 3-minute trailer: click here.
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You will find more related information on brain fitness programs and neuroplasticity by checking out these resources:
- Collection of brain teasers and games: attention, memory, problem-solving, visual, and more.
- Brain Training Games and "Games": a 10-Question Checklist on how to evaluate programs that make brain-related claims.- Neuroscience Interview Series: interviews with over 15 brain scientists and experts.
Credit for pic: Christopher Gallo
PBS program to get your lawyer brain in shape (maybe lessen neuroboomeritis, too)...
PBS is offering The Brain Fitness Program this week. In my part of the world, it was on this morning at 5 AM, will play again tomorrow morning at 4:30 AM , and will air Tuesday morning at 3:30 AM. I think some of us here will want to tape...
Alvaro-
Excellent information all around,- am listing SmartBrains on my site, posted a recent note on your work, and will be a steady visitor.
We are on the same path,
Thanks for all the great info!
Chuck
Thank you Chuck. Will check your site too.
Btw, here you have a quick brain teaser: what is the difference between SharpBrains and SmartBrains
[...] Alvaro Fernandez of SharpBrains, one of the nine bloggers represented in this carnival who I have had the joy and privilege to meet in person, in real offline life, sent his interview with Robert Emmons on the Positive Psychology of Gratitude, as well as Brain Fitness Program and Neuroplasticity @ PBS and Is Intelligence Innate and Fixed? [...]
I have searched in vain for information on the accessible PBS stations re the "Brain Fitness
Program" mentioned in this newsletter.
I live in Vancouver,B.C.
Suggestions?
Re this "Leave a Reply". It would be less confusing if you specified
"E-Mail" in the "Mail" space - and a clearer indicator that simply clicking on the "submit comment" and seeing that the blue frame changed to yellow meant that it had in fact been sumitted. Not all of us are experienced in technology and it would help to have more information.
Thanks for the suggestions, Myrna.
As for how to find the program, you need to find what local station in Vancouver carries PBS programs. The PBS site doesn't seem to list cities in Canada, but you may be able to pick the signal from some close US state-try looking for Oregon-based stations through the link above or this one
http://www.pbs.org/stationfinder/stationfinder_relocalize.html
I do not think the Brain Training program was adequately described as an infomercial. The specifictraining, as opposed to general activity, benefits are snake oil.
Hello Emory,
I am not sure I understand your comment. Do you mean the program is an infomercial? that the specific training are snake oil? but that the general activity benefits work? Sounds like a quite surprising position to me.
Happy to engage in a dialogue, but please help me understand your impressions. Thank you!
[...] And then I click to Peter Coyote telling me how plastic is my freakin brain. OK. Great. While I have been VERY relieved to get the news of recent years on how "plastic" our brains really are, I'm not so sure that I want Madison Ave. and Wall Street pushing brain enhancement products at me. It's good enough to know that all those brain cells I've murdered over the years are not a total loss. Their function may be replaced by other neurons. Or I might even grow new neurons. It's like my brain is ALIVE! [...]
Those who haven't been able to see the PBS program have an opportunity to listen to or watch a presentation last year by Michael Merzenich, titled Brain Plasticity Bases of Human Ability, Disability, and Recovery, given at Palo Alto Research Center - http://www.parc.com/cms/get_article.php?id=568
Maybe the PBS program counts as "an infomercial" - but let's hope it's a really good infomercial. My chance to see it is later tonight.
Across PBS stations there is a standard set of "gifts" or "premiums" for the tv program, as is usual for Pledge Drive programming. From low to high donation levels these are:
$50 "The Brain Fitness Home Primer" This 20-page booklet features a cognitive ability test that you can take in your own home. It includes educational material about cognitive issues, as well as assessments. And to make the assessments more engaging and interactive, they are designed to be administered by a friend or a family member. The Brain Fitness Home Primer will help you find out the current state of your brain fitness. .
$90 "The Brain That Changes Itself by Dr. Norman Doige" - book explains the science of neuro-plasticity through interviews and personal stories about injury and recovery. (448 pgs, softcover)
$120 The Brain Fitness Program - DVD is the full, uninterrupted public television program featuring Peter Coyote, guiding you through the exceptional new science of brain plasticity and how you can use it to increase your mental alertness and function. Over 50 neuroscientists have worked to create a system for strengthening the brain and making it perform with more agility, speed and comprehension. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity – the ability of the brain to change and adapt – even rewire itself. The brain remains highly malleable or “plastic” throughout life. By presenting the brain with the proper stimuli, scientists can drive beneficial physical and functional change. Learn about the latest research findings and the scientifically-based set of brain exercises in this innovative and life-altering program.
$365 KIT Brain Fitness - The Brain Fitness Gym Package Combo contents:
Booklet, The Brain Fitness Primer
Companion DVD, The Brain Fitness Program
Related Book, The Brain that Changes Itself
Computer program with CD-ROM - Brain Fitness Program for Families. This program is a series of computer based exercises that are scientifically proven to improve important brain functions. The Brain Fitness Program for Families is easy to use. It includes 6 engaging, easy-to-install listening exercises performed on a computer. To do the exercises, just click on a computer mouse. No prior computer experience is necessary! The Brain Fitness Program for Families calibrates itself to your skill level. You work at the pace that is right for you - so it fits right into your lifestyle. Regular use can range from 15 minutes to as much time as you'd like.
The last item seems to me as if it is the "best deal" - inasmuch as the price is about what you would pay as an individual customer for the Brain Fitness Program, and you get the other materials as well.
Commenter Emory Hill expresses his skepticism - "the specific training...benefits are snake oil." Reasons to believe otherwise include a controlled study (intervention group got the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program, control group gotup to 40 hours of a computer-based educational training program) presented at the Gerontological Society of America. There's a report in Science Daily - http://tinyurl.com/2wn65y
As I did further research I found that after purchasing the CD-ROM I can only do the exercises a total of 2 times. Nobody has mentioned this before. I think people will be very disappointed after they pay $365 and find that the CD expires after going through the exercises two times. I am sure this was meant to "control" sharing of the software with friends, but come on not even Micrsft will charge you $365 for software and only let you do two cycles. I am flabbergasted as to how poeple who seem to pride themselves in the healthy brain topic area would not come up with a smarter solution for their customers. I think they loose credibility this way. I also think PBS is not endearing themselves to the sponsors by not being upfront about this issue. Oh, supposedly the reason behind this 2 cycle usage limitation is that your brain won't need the exercises anymore after that. Why don't you let the consumer be the judge of that. For $365 or $495/$595 as advertised on their website we should be allowed to "own" the software and use it as much as we deem necessary. I was ready to order the program from their website and my husband just stumbled across the 2 cycle limit by accident. Shame on you for trying to be sneaky and misleading!
Mistah: Than you for sharing that information.
Kassandra: You are raising a valid concern. I will forward your complaint to the company that develops and sells that software-we have nothing to do with it! Our role to inform consumers and companies about latest neuroscience and brain fitness research and trends, so we will work to clarify this.
Let's give them a chance to explain if that policy is in fact in place, and why. I will then post an update in this article, so people are aware of the issue. Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Does anyone else reading this have information to share?
As the Supervisor of Customer Delight at Posit Science I wanted to clear up a misunderstanding of Kassandra’s.
The Brain Fitness Program can be repeated as many times as you would like. In fact, our scientists recommend people repeat the program periodically to maintain the cognitive benefits that the program provides. I assure you that our interest in healthy brains is genuine. In the future if you have any questions about Posit Science’s products, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
JP, many thanks for the clarification, which addresses Kassandra's concerns: the program "can be repeated as many times as you would like".
tthank you for savjng me a bundlethatis very sneaky of pbs indeed
Thank you very much! I was just about to order the Brain Fitness program after viewing the PBS program. Although it was much more expensive than MindFit, which according to the Wal Street Journal is of similar quality, I was willing to pay the additional money to support PBS. Shame on them for not mentioning this limitation!
I intend to purhcase the MindFit program, unless someone has something better to recommend.
Randall Milburn, Ottawa
Hi Randall, The Posit Science Brain Fitness Program does not have any usage limitations. It can be used as many times as a person would like to use it. For more information, please see my post above.
I have a lot of problem with my brain,especially with audio ability, so I am a handicaped language. I would like to know if the posit science of Dr. Merzenich can can help me with the $365 Kit Brain Fitness , Please advise me, and I will order it. Thanh You very much. God bless you.
Joseph Vietvu
Hello Joseph, I recommend you contact your physician, and ask him/ her that same question, showing him information about Dr. Merzenich's brain fitness program, that trains auditory processing. Given that you mention you have some clinical symptoms, your doctor is your best resource, since he/ she knows your specific case and needs. I hope this helps.
Alvaro,
Can two different persons use the CD to do the exercises?
Hello Pat, no, each person needs a different code since the program is personalized (level of difficulty, history...). That happens with most software packages and online options we have seen.
CORRECTION as of 01/17/08: 2 different users can use the version of the program offered via PBS.
Wow. I'm glad I did some research before I made my final decision on the "Brain Fitness Program." I think thats stupid for only letting you play the CD-ROM twice for the price of $365? Shame on PBS for not including that! I've been a PBS viewer ever since I was a child and I'm not too happy about the results from other people. Thank you.
There is something interesting going on here. "Kassandra Dennis", "Randall Milburn", and "Kristina" post comments but clearly don't read other peoples. I'm wondering if they are who they say they are or in fact 1 person pretending otherwise. Can anyone be that dense?
Thank you for this informative article.
I found this one even more interesting, the Wall Street Journal reviewing Posit Science, MindFit and other programs
http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/02/03/mindfit-and-posit-science-in-the-wall-street-journals-putting-brain-exercises-to-the-test/
Well when you get the brain fitness program from PBS for $365 it is not reasonable to state that you have paid $365 for the program. Your $365 is a donation to PBS and the brain fitness program is a thank you gift from PBS for your donation. So I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the PBS version is somewhat limited compared to the Posit Science version. Same concept as using limited shareware versions of software programs that you must unlock by paying for the full version. In other words - a teaser to get you to buy the real thing.
[...] Brain Fitness @ PBS: PBS featured a fantastic special program on neuroplasticity and brain fitness during the month of December. Before you ask: as of today, the DVD of the program is still not available in PBS online shop. We expect to see it there in 2-3 weeks. We will keep you informed. [...]
Please let me know when the DVD of the
brain fitness program is available.
Hi Luddite,
This is JP Connelly with Posit Science's Customer Delight Team.
The PBS donors who the $365 amount are getting the same version of the program that we sell for $495.
The program, regardless of where or how it was obtained, can be repeated as many times as you would like.
Why is the CD-ROM called the "Brain Fitness Program for Families" when only one family member can make use of it?
BTW, the DVD of the PBS program is now available
[...] The most popular question we got when we announced that PBS had a great special on Brain Fitness Program and Neuroplasticity in December was, when will the DVD be available? [...]
Thank you Mickster! I updated this post to take visitors there.
$365 I'm sorry but this is a huge scam. $29.95 = reasonable price for the program. $365 = a bunch of hucksters trying to get rich off of gullible people.
I am the producer of The Brain Fitness Program. We selected the Posit Science program as a Thank you gift because of solid science behind it and the studies pubished in peer reviewed journals.
The program that is offered on PBS is NOT limited use, it is the full program that can be used time and time again. Additionally, this program can be used by up to 2 users. Please see the attached link to the product specifications. This is the program offered at the $365 pledge level. I hope this clears up any questions.
Thank you for watching!
Lennlee Keep
Producer
Lennlee: thank you for the clarification.
I have emailed Pat (above) to correct the information I gave him, and updated my response. Regards
Is this offer by PBS still good? Can I still call with the $365.00 pledge?
never mind. i found it.
To Lenny:
Yes, $365 seems like a lot of money compared to your average software. I have helped kids with a VERY similar program from another company Micheal Merzinich is associated with. It is targeted to kids with auditory processing and related learning/reading problems. It was all based on plenty of hard science. In my experience it was very effective for these kids.
A similar $50 program simply didnt give nearly the same outcomes.
In the future if quality brain training programs catch on and are mass produced I'm sure the costs will come down.
The PBS adult brain fitness program is focused on auditory, language, and short term memory skills, as is its the counterpart for children. (A visual processing program is in the works.) I will be interested to the results of this program with typical adults.
I was satisfied enough with the kids program that I have donated the money to PBS needed to recieve the program to try it myself.
The MindFit software sounds good also according to the Wall ST Journal. It looks like its approach is a much more visual/attention/memory one.
Hello Mary: thanks for sharing your experience! I guess you refer to Scientific Learning's Fast Forword.
Do you remember the name of the program you refer to with "A similar $50 program simply didn't give nearly the same outcomes." And, what kind of kids did you use it with?
Thank you
Alvaro,
Yes, I am refering to Fast Forword. Kids with auditory processing problems are bound to have speech and/or language delays. Poor auditory discrimination slows language development. Learning to read relies on "phonemic awareness" an ability to make connections with sounds and letters. Since reading relies on a sound based code, you can imagine how difficult it is for these kids to learn to read. In addition comprehension is affected due to delayed lang skills. Often these kids are labeled "slow."Frequently they have had a history of chronic ear infections so they have heard muffled speech during a critical period of brain development. The brain has not had as much training needed to learn auditory discrimination.
The $50.00 program is Earrobics--also for kids which have had auditory processing problems. It immitates some of Fast Forword's exercises. There is a HUGE difference though. Fast Forword was designed with the understanding of the need to discriminate between sounds in connected speech. That depends on discrimination of frequency changes within approx. 40 msec. for typical speech. Fast Forword methodically trains that discrimination starting with slower changes in pitch variations until the listener can process at faster speeds. It does that syllable, word and sentence exercises. Memory and attention skills are exercised as well.
Earrobics does discrination exercises without addressing the precise msec speed of processing.
While I think Earobics has some value for some children there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever. I know of no other program that comes close to the efficacy of Fast Forword to address auditory processing/language difficulties and co-occuring reading problems.
Fast Forword's success relies in part on intensive training in a 4-8 week period. 90 minutes 5 times per week is the protocol. Regular consultation with a professional is required throughout.
Apparently the company has extended the fundamentals of the program to an adult version. I suppose we lose some of our ability to process quickly, to recall and attend over time. Therefore the same program has been found to be helpful for typical adults as well. I have always felt I have relatively poor auditory memory/comprehenion/attention so I am hopeful.
I would suggest that those who undertake the program really commit to it for a month or so for an hour a day if possible. I think haphazard practice would have limited success.
Mary Lu
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hello Mary,
Thank you for your great response. A great point you raise is that all these cognitive interventions aimed at addressing an underlying deficit are hard work. They require practice.
A question: in your practice, how do you identify whether a kid's main cognitive bottleneck is auditory processing vs. others, such as working memory, for example, where different programs may help more? (or no program has enough evidence behind). We have many cognitive abilities to take care of, so the same tool is not necessarily the best for everyone.
Btw, please check the Neuroscience Interview Series in our Resources section-you'll enjoy it. And please read the interview with Elizabeth Zelinski on her initial research results (not published yet) of using Posit Science with adults over 60.
Thank you again
HI Mary Lu and Alvaro
I have used Fast ForWord from Scientific Learning for more than 10 years and continue to get some incredible results (improvements) in kids with various language and processing issues. I am assuming you were referring to Earobics, Mary Lu, when you mentioned another $50 program? I have also used that program to strengthen the phonemic awareness skills--but I find it is more beneficial if I have already put the child through the Fast ForWord Language program first. As you said, Mary Lu, Earobics is VERY different than the Fast ForWord products.
As an aside, there are now a number of diffferent time protocols for Fast ForWord-from 30 minutes/day to 100 minutes/day--still doing it 5 days out of every 7.
I am enjoying this blog of yours Alvaro.
Ann
Alvaro,
Good question regarding differential diagnosis of auditory processing vs working memory difficulties. Non verbal memory assessment can be used to get some comparison to other verbal assessments. Also phonemic awareness testing is used. Is the child able to rhyme words? Can the child point to words with only one sound which is different? EG: "Call/Tall." If the child had delayed speech, or language,having trouble learning phonics in Kindergarten/1st grade it is certainly suggestive of possible auditory processing problems.
I had one child whose parents had the 4 year old child use the Fast Forword program because he was being teased about his speech. Although he had been going to speech twice a week he was making slow progress. After the program he made rapid improvements without speech therapy articulation therapy. For some kids they havnt heard the difference in the sounds so they arnt correctly saying the sounds either.
I believe the program likely prevented future reading problems.
I am not currently practicing, but I was a school Speech-Language Pathologist who did private work on the side. It was frustrating to see kids struggling when I knew Fast Forword could have made such a difference. Unfortunately most schools won't get near the program because of the expense involved. Some school systems are beginning to use it, but they are few and far between.
Unfortunately I only put about 10 kids through the program since most parents balked at the expense and even good insurance didnt cover it. ($365 is fraction of what these parents were paying.) Even so, I don't blame Scientific Learning because of the years and money it took to develop Fast Forword.
Regarding cognitive issues which are not auditorily based I am not familiar with comparable computer programs. Recently I have heard about some which address attention/memory programs but I know nothing of research and efficacy. Perhaps the MindFit program can at least partially fit the bill. I'll look forward to when Scientific Learning comes out with their visual processing program.
Mary Lu
Ann: welcome! Thank you for your comment and kind words. Does FastForword have a 30-minute protocol? I was aware of their new 60-minute one, not the 30-minute. Have you seen any research paper they have published based on that protocol?
Mary Lu: thank you for the additional information. The issue is that we need better cognitive assessments, right now they require a trained neuropsychologist which means the bill for parents may even be higher.
A very interesting new cognitive intervention is Cogmed working memory training, mostly focused on kids with attention deficits. You can see multiple papers in PubMed by Torkel Klingberg.
MindFit is not so much a very intensive (and expensive) program aimed at solving an underlying deficit as a "preventive" workout to slow-down typical age-related cognitive decline. It may theoretically also be used with kids, but it doesn't seem the company, CogniFit, is focusing there. They have a separate program, DriveFit, to train driving-related cognitive skills, with significant presence in Canada and Europe, not in the US so far.
Alvero,
Your Neuroscience Interview series is facinating! Thanks
Mary Lu
I was wondering something about this program, I visted the website and it seems to use sounds as some of the exercises for people. What if your hard of hearing? Does it have something different to offer for thos that have some hearing loss?
Glad you enjoy it, Mary Lu!
Ron, yes, that program is devoted to auditory processing training, so it is sound-focused. As far as I know, they have nothing specific for people who have hearing difficulties.
This is nothing but a money-making scheme. It is a shame that you've got PBS backing it just so they can make money off it too! I would like to know how did they ever derive a price of $350 to 595 for a single CD ROM program? This is a rip off!!! It is just disguised as helping people. In the past, God always stopped us from giving to PBS. Now I realize why: selfish greed.
Dear MK,
On the one hand, I agree that I would like to see that software tool -and many more health products- at more affordable rates.
On the other hand, they are a private company and are entitled to make the pricing decisions they choose to.
In any case, I am not sure God really intervenes in these things.
Yes, He does intervene. And He always intervenes for us because we have a heart to hear from Him.
I would like to see the company selling the product an affordable price, $40. The company would then be able to sell tens of millions of copies as the word gets out what it accomplishes. This is because people will then be able to afford to purchase a copy for themselves and also buy copies for relatives/friends who would benefit from the program.
When you help others you will be helped. Do not try to get all your money from just a few people by overpricing the software! Remember, it is drop by drop the ocean is filled. Just imagine how dangerous it would be if, instead of raindrops, the ocean were filled with raingallons! My good wishes go with you!
Thank you!
I am glad to hear that this can be used by 2 people, but can it be used by two people in 2 different locations, Kansas and Colorado. I'd like to get this, and share it with my mom who lives in Kansas????? Thanks
Hello Kanonklin: the product developer's website says both people must be in the "same household", so I guess you can't share it that way, since you'll need to instal the software CD in one computer (which then may be used by 2 people).
Alvaro:
Thank you for your insight and intelligence. I find it simply fascinating that some folks are actually balking at a $350 price tag! As an IT professional, I can assure those posting that $350.00 is extremely cheap for software.
Take it from the mother of an autistic spectrum child-- I would be thrilled to find cognitive development help for $350!! Try the Lindamood Bell program-- $10,000 for a 6 week session. Or perhaps $3,000 just to engage FastForward? How about a $8,000-10,000 commitment for P.A.C.E./ Learning RX? And the real kicker? You take a 2nd on your house so that your child might possibly achieve age appropriate performance. Oh, and by the way, not one of those organizations offers any type of guarantee for your $10,000 investment.
Yet many, many parents are getting loans, borrowing against their homes-- anything-- to get these kids the help they need to (hopefully) hold their own in this knowledge-based society of ours.
Any parent of a child struggling with processing issues can tell you that there is a rapidly advancing, ever widening chasm between the "haves" and the "have nots" in our country-- except now what sets the "have nots" apart is cognitive development.
Yet the programs PROVEN to be most effective are cost prohibitive for most U.S. families. With diagnosis of autistic spectrum at a crisis level (currently 1 in 150 kids in the U.S.), it is only going to get far, far worse.
I don't know whether this program works or not. I just don't feel too much sympathy for those gripping about the $350! If it works for you, consider yourself fortunate to have found a valuable resource.
Now, can we get back to sharing some more great information on auditory processing and flexing those cognitive muscles? Mary Lu-- you're great. More insight?
And MK Gates-- I have no doubt that PBS and NPR are not your cup of tea. Perhaps the "mama bird" news (you know-- someone else digests it and regurgitates it for you to eat up with abandon) from Fox News is more to your liking?
MK Gates, it's odd that on the one hand you're saying this is a "money making scheme" and a "ripoff" as if to imply it's of no value or it doesn't work. But you then seem to say it would be a good deal at $40. So you apparently think it's a good product at "some" price, just not the price that it's currently selling at.
Just because it's on a "single" CD as you put it, doesn't mean the information contain therein is not worthy of a set price. Thousands of hours of work by very specialized scientist goes into something like this. How is $40 the appropriate price? A diamond is nothing more than a piece of coal compressed under high heat, yet people spend thousands of dollars for something that's "looks" good on their finger and nothing more.
If the price is currently beyond your means, it seems unfair to blame PBS or the program since by your own statement, you say that tens of millions of people would own it at a lower price. At the very least, it sounds like you think it's a pretty darn good program.
Balooch: thank you for your comment and program overview...yes, when programs are sold as a bundle with services they can become really expensive. We hope that over time prices will go down...as they usually do as fields and programs mature.
And the reality is that, unfortunately, we have not seen high-quality research showing that those are effective with autistic children. The closest we have seen is TeachTown, but still without a randomized controlled trial. Cogmed is showing promising results with Asperger's.
GCH: thank you for your comment too. Good analogy.
Both: let's not be too hard on MK...no one is perfect. We all come from different backgrounds, and all can learn
Have a nice weekend!
We have been a FastForward Provider for about six months and have a child with auditory processing delay. We currently have over a dozen children in the FF protocol. As a parent and a provider, the science behind this is REAL and we have been seeing incredible results. Non-verbal autistic children are starting to speak, children are leap-frogging over reading levels and children who used to lash out in anger/tantrums are able to control their emotions better. Due to the harsh winter, we have had children who have missed their protocol and have been telling their parents they feel different when they don't GET to come to our center. Although the price may seem to be high, finally finding something that ACTUALLY works and seeing your child progress makes it all worth it.
"Kassandra: You are raising a valid concern. I will forward your complaint to the company that develops and sells that software-we have nothing to do with it!"
It is shameful enough that PBS engages in this scam.
It is unforgivable that it would deny having anything "to do with it".
Obviously there is a connection between the PBS TV program and the marketing of the software. To claim otherwise is simply not credible.
PLUS I profoundly thank those who pointed out that the software is only usable through two cycles.
It is a shame how far PBS has fallen from its formerly noble status.
Balooch writes;
"Yet the programs PROVEN to be most effective are cost prohibitive for most U.S. families. With diagnosis of autistic spectrum at a crisis level (currently 1 in 150 kids in the U.S.), it is only going to get far, far worse."
This is complete bull !
"All" you have to do is eat properly, take supplementary multivitamins and multilminerals to make sure your diet is complete, exercise properly, and engage in regular challenging mental exercise --- for example, play bridge, do crossword puzzles . . . even the mental effort required to do folk-dancing has been shown to suffice.
I put "all" in quotes because it's not that easy to take proper care of oneself. BUT it is completely within one's control unless one is poverty-stricken. Any it's NOT cost-prohibitive.
That's a total scam by the people who want you to think that your brain will automatically deteriorate unless you buy their product.
It is outrageous and probably illegal that PBS is in cahoots with these deceptive profiteers.
Does anyone know how I can still order the $365 Brain Fitness Package from PBS? I can't find it on thier website.
i don't like going to the gym to workout but go because of the apparent outcomes from exercise, same as this i won't like to spend an hour each day doing the exercises but know the outcome can only be beneficial. I bought the bundle and I am currently using it and I used to be a computer programmer, the amount of work that goes into this is huge, if they did not charge that amount how would they pay their staff, research, day to day, etc...
brenda, just give them a ring an ding ding and order
In response to M.Pace, 3/15--
Balooch8 was writing about neuro programs for children with autism, not about typical adults. So exercise, eating right and doing puzzles clearly arn't adequate. There has been extensive research proving the regarding efficacy of programs like "Fast Forword." Kirk attests to the success of Fast Forword in his personal experience providing the program. (3/13)
I don't know anything about studies regarding efficacy of the Brain Fitness program with "typical" adults, but don't be so quick to assume it is "a rip off." The scientists who designed Fast Forword created the Brain Fitness program. Alvero, can you comment on the Brain Fitness program and studies?
I am a physical therapist and I work with adults, many of whom have strokes, brain injuries, or other neurological disorders. I would like to know if there are any studies using the Brain Fitness Program (or Mindfit Program) on adults with the above disorders. Many of my patients are asking for more information. Please cite studies in your response. Thank you.
Linda: the 2 programs with published research specifically for stroke and TBI patients are NovaVision (FDA cleared) and Cogmed (small pilot). Not aware of published papers in good journals of other programs for those conditions.
Cicerone has done a couple great literature reviews, you can check them in PubMed.
Mary Lu: Posit's program is pretty recent, so they don't have published research comparable to Scientific Learning. So far, they have one trial published in PNAS, with average age around 70, and they have announced some initial results from IMPACT, a very large study, that will probably create media waves when published.
M. Pace: my brain has limitations too...and I really can't see how to explain better that we (SharpBrains) have nothing to do with Posit Science's program... we can talk about them, the same way we discuss many other programs, research studies, trends...but are fully separate companies. And in fact we don't sell their product, or any other. Better now?
All professionals in this thread: we have published our market report to provide an overview of the field, the players, and the trends. You may find it a useful professional tool
http://www.sharpbrains.com/market-report/
I want to offer one important note to those who may contemplate obtaining 'The Brain Fitness Program' as a gift in return for a $365 pledge to PBS. When you receive the letter from PBS acknowledging your pledge, you will find that the actual valuation of your pledge (for tax purposes) is $65, with fair value of goods received (i.e., 'The Brain Fitness Program') noted as $300. How much of your $365 pledge actually makes its way in to the PBS treasury will depend, of course, on what their actual cost is for 'The Brain Fitness Program', but the contribution you will be able to report on your income tax return is $65.
Michael, great point, thank you for sharing.
Mary Lu/Alvaro,
I saw The Brain Fitness Program on PBS for the first time last night. I have been on the hunt for software for my ADHD diagnosed child for several years. Do you think this program would be of any benefit?
Kathy, the only research-based cognitive interventions I have seen for ADHD kids are:
1) Cogmed working memory training program (software-based, available via clinicians)
2) Cognitive behavioral therapy
3) Meditation. With less evidence at this point, but very intriguing one, as we covered recently.
None of the programs mentioned in the PBS program have published evidence on efficacy for kids with ADHD (they target other populations/ cognitive priorities).
I suggest you consult your kids' doctor or specialist on what he/ she thinks may help.
As this field begins to burgeon, it will be critical for us to be able to distinguish between the snake oil and the genuine article. Otherwise people will be wasting time and money and squandering hope on useless products.
Journalists can help by not getting caught up in the hype.
I would agree that $300 or so sounds exorbitant. $30 sounds better. And a program that begins with proven academic research is far less likely to be snake oil than one for which paid studies are supplied on demand.
Just received my Brain Fitness package. Nice!
My main computer is an iMac but my plan has been to install this on my HP Presario C500 Windows (as required) laptop with Celeron M processor and Vista. The speed of this laptop is 533 MHz. Now I see that this program needs a speed of at least 1 GHz.
I'm hoping you'll tell me to go ahead and load it because it will work fine at your 533 MHZ or that you now have a program for my iMac.
I'll hold off loading this until I receive your answer.
Ken, we do not sell any product, but cover the whole market as a research & advisory firm. You probably are confusing companies.
The documentation you have probably lists a website and customer support contact information. I encourage you to contact them and ask that question.
Regards
Thanks for the quick response. I called PositScience, the developers of the Brain Fitness Program. They have a Mac version of this and are sending it to me. Bravo!
Thanks again.
Hi. I watched portions of the Brain Fitness Program on my local PBS station this past week. The high price for the software is not a scam, it is a pledge to support PBS, and the software is a gift. PBS also does shows on musicians (last I saw was the Osmonds), and for a pledged amount, you get Osmond stuff.
I am a Moderator on a message board that advocates treatment options for Depression & Epiepsy/Seizure Disorder patients. I am looking for a low cost & scientifically proven results treatment option to share with the members. Is it possible this software would be beneficial adjunctive therapy in helping ease the frequency and severity of depression & seizures? We are not Physicians on this message board, and can not give medical advice. We do offer suggestions the members can research & discuss with thier treating Physicians. I myself suffer with seizures & depression resulting from a traumatic brain injury. The injury has caused learning difficulties, short term memory issues, balance & coordination problems, etc. I think this software would be beneficial for someone in my case. In most all cases, having seizures and uncontrolled depression require some sort of medication intervention, so in no way am I going to suggest any member go off meds, but to be able to utilize something like this software may open up a whole new world for some people in gaining better control over seizures & depression. Medication for these illnesses, as well as ECT treatments for depression, cause memory loss and alot of the time awful side effects. Some people have no relief from these treatments. It would be great to be able to have something that is non-invasive & non-toxic to help treat these illnesses.
I look forward to any information any of you can provide. Thanks in advance for your time.
I usually love pbs, but I have to say that I am thoroughly disappointed with this program. I'm all for funding drives, but this was basically an infomercial.