Comments on: The Brain Fitness Program DVD (Michael Merzenich) http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/ Brain Fitness and Cognitive Health news Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:18:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 by: Alvaro http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-164315 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:50:53 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-164315 Mike, beautiful point. Scientific studies are very valuable to see what works, what may work, and what does NOT work.... thereby informing public policy, consumers and professionals. Now, lab results needs not replace the judgement of healthy individuals making their own decisions with their own money. Mike, beautiful point.

Scientific studies are very valuable to see what works, what may work, and what does NOT work.... thereby informing public policy, consumers and professionals.

Now, lab results needs not replace the judgement of healthy individuals making their own decisions with their own money.

]]> by: Mike Logan http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-164267 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:23:48 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-164267 While I can appreciate the need for research, and use it as a guide, I like to try out tools like this to see what happens. Then look to the research to see if there is any intuitive "aha!" My experience will guide me as much as the research. I read somewhere once that statistics are tools used to try and make sense of incomplete data. Or course, I am not marketing to the universe here. Mike Logan While I can appreciate the need for research, and use it as a guide, I like to try out tools like this to see what happens. Then look to the research to see if there is any intuitive "aha!" My experience will guide me as much as the research. I read somewhere once that statistics are tools used to try and make sense of incomplete data. Or course, I am not marketing to the universe here. Mike Logan

]]> by: Thomas (Doubting) http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-143557 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:20:23 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-143557 "The Posit Science program is the only one to have been shown effective in published, peer-reviewed studies. This is the scientific “gold standard” and the only way you can be certain a product actually works to improve cognitive function. No other product has undergone this rigorous clinical scrutiny, including others referenced above." >>This is far from the truth. Being published in a peer-reviewed journal does not equal being "effective." No single study could legitimize the claim for being "effective." List the references for the studies and let us review the empirical evidnce for ourselves. Please include the double-blind attention control randomized study with 6 month follow up. Thanks. "The Posit Science program is the only one to have been shown effective in published, peer-reviewed studies. This is the scientific “gold standard” and the only way you can be certain a product actually works to improve cognitive function. No other product has undergone this rigorous clinical scrutiny, including others referenced above."

>>This is far from the truth. Being published in a peer-reviewed journal does not equal being "effective."

No single study could legitimize the claim for being "effective."

List the references for the studies and let us review the empirical evidnce for ourselves. Please include the double-blind attention control randomized study with 6 month follow up. Thanks.

]]> by: Roy Israely http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-138654 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:37:45 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-138654 Hello Arlene, I'm a psychologist at CogniFit, a leader in developing brain fitness software. I have to agree with Alvaro's answer: When trying to find a cognitive training program, the most important thing is to make sure it fits YOU. Since most computerized training programs last for several months, it's important that you will choose the program that will keep your motivation high, as well as will improve your cognition. Although different programs offer different things to the users, if a wide cognitive training is what you are looking for, MindFit could be the solution for you, since it trains 14 major cognitive abilities that are crucial for a day to day functioning. In addition, it is worth mentioning that MindFit offers an assessment phase before the beginning of the actual training, which makes it possible to create a self- suited training program that matches the specific cognitive needs for each user. You can find some more information on our website: www.e-mindfitness.com . Keep in mind that mental training is not enough. In order to maintain a healthy brain you'll also need to engage in physical activity, proper nutrition and stress management. You can find a good summary in the following link: http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/04/11/easy-steps-to-improve-your-brain-health-now/ Hello Arlene,
I'm a psychologist at CogniFit, a leader in developing brain fitness software.
I have to agree with Alvaro's answer: When trying to find a cognitive training program, the most important thing is to make sure it fits YOU. Since most computerized training programs last for several months, it's important that you will choose the program that will keep your motivation high, as well as will improve your cognition. Although different programs offer different things to the users, if a wide cognitive training is what you are looking for, MindFit could be the solution for you, since it trains 14 major cognitive abilities that are crucial for a day to day functioning. In addition, it is worth mentioning that MindFit offers an assessment phase before the beginning of the actual training, which makes it possible to create a self- suited training program that matches the specific cognitive needs for each user. You can find some more information on our website: www.e-mindfitness.com .
Keep in mind that mental training is not enough. In order to maintain a healthy brain you'll also need to engage in physical activity, proper nutrition and stress management. You can find a good summary in the following link:
http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/04/11/easy-steps-to-improve-your-brain-health-now/

]]> by: Alvaro http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-135834 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:38:37 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-135834 Hello Talya: I don't know; you better contact PBS directly. Please let us know what you find out. Hello Talya: I don't know; you better contact PBS directly.

Please let us know what you find out.

]]> by: Talya http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-135830 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:28:09 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-135830 Hi, Is there any way to find a transcript of the Brain Fitness Program DVD that aired on PBS? Thanks! Hi,
Is there any way to find a transcript of the Brain Fitness Program DVD that aired on PBS?
Thanks!

]]> by: Laura Fay http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-131446 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:27:57 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-131446 Hello Arlene, I am Chief Operating Officer with Happy Neuron, a provider of various Brain Fitness programs (mentioned above) Alvaro makes a good point about choosing the program that is right for YOU. Sharpbrain’s 10-Question Evaluation Checklist is a great way to evaluate the most suitable brain fitness program. To assist with that evaluation, Happy Neuron has outlined how our program stacks up against the checklist. You can read it here… http://www.happy-neuron.com/docs/checklist_sb.php Good luck with your research. Laura Hello Arlene,
I am Chief Operating Officer with Happy Neuron, a provider of various Brain Fitness programs (mentioned above)

Alvaro makes a good point about choosing the program that is right for YOU. Sharpbrain’s 10-Question Evaluation Checklist is a great way to evaluate the most suitable brain fitness program. To assist with that evaluation, Happy Neuron has outlined how our program stacks up against the checklist. You can read it here…
http://www.happy-neuron.com/docs/checklist_sb.php

Good luck with your research.

Laura

]]> by: Alvaro http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-130770 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:43:29 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-130770 Hello Eric, thanks for stopping by. We recommend users check our 10-Question Evaluation Checklist, because there is no research enough today to "prescribe" any specific intervention for everyone. Each user must decide what may be the best tool for him or her. There are many important cognitive skills to take care of, so a very narrow intervention is not necessarily what every single person would benefit from, justifying time commitment and expense. Let me ask you 1- how you you know what benefits Arlene has in mind? if she is looking to reduce likelihood of potentially developing Alzheimer's symptoms, for example, physical exercise or a variety of socially and mentally stimulating activities have more research support than any specific computer-based program 2- how many studies have been published as of today in peer-reviewed journals supporting the validity of your program 3- what is the median age for people in published studies? what may be relevant for people in their 70s may not be the top priority for people in their 40s or 50 4- What is the use protocol in published studies? hours of training per week? 5- Does published research show far transfer into non-trained domains such as visual memory and executive functions? 6- can you provide an overview of all major cognitive skills and where auditory processing fits in 7- Have you seen the published research backing other programs such as Cogmed, SpaceFortress, cognitive therapy, biofeedback? I find it surprising that (despite the apparent great quality of the IMPACT study, not published yet), you can make claims like the ones you make in your comment. Looking forward your response. Hello Eric, thanks for stopping by. We recommend users check our 10-Question Evaluation Checklist, because there is no research enough today to "prescribe" any specific intervention for everyone. Each user must decide what may be the best tool for him or her.

There are many important cognitive skills to take care of, so a very narrow intervention is not necessarily what every single person would benefit from, justifying time commitment and expense.

Let me ask you

1- how you you know what benefits Arlene has in mind? if she is looking to reduce likelihood of potentially developing Alzheimer's symptoms, for example, physical exercise or a variety of socially and mentally stimulating activities have more research support than any specific computer-based program

2- how many studies have been published as of today in peer-reviewed journals supporting the validity of your program

3- what is the median age for people in published studies? what may be relevant for people in their 70s may not be the top priority for people in their 40s or 50

4- What is the use protocol in published studies? hours of training per week?

5- Does published research show far transfer into non-trained domains such as visual memory and executive functions?

6- can you provide an overview of all major cognitive skills and where auditory processing fits in

7- Have you seen the published research backing other programs such as Cogmed, SpaceFortress, cognitive therapy, biofeedback? I find it surprising that (despite the apparent great quality of the IMPACT study, not published yet), you can make claims like the ones you make in your comment.

Looking forward your response.

]]> by: Eric http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-130749 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:51:25 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-130749 Hi Arlene, I am Vice President of Marketing for for Posit Science. A couple of points about our exercises: 1. Our first product focuses on the auditory systems of the brain because so much of what we need to remember and process in life is auditory. Our auditory product improves speed of processing and accuracy of the auditory system. Tens of thousands of people have used this product and report remembering better, finding words more easily, following conversation more quickly and other benefits. 2. Newsweek’s Sharon Begley does a great job describing why the focus on auditory memory is so important in the article below. As you’ll read, our Brain Fitness Program is the only program on the market that improves your memory - not just the trained tasks. The the improvements “generalize” to broad measures of cognition. http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/labnotes/archive/2007/11/17/brain-training-how-it-works.aspx 3. The Posit Science program is the only one to have been shown effective in published, peer-reviewed studies. This is the scientific “gold standard” and the only way you can be certain a product actually works to improve cognitive function. No other product has undergone this rigorous clinical scrutiny, including others referenced above. Best Regards, Eric Mann Hi Arlene,
I am Vice President of Marketing for for Posit Science. A couple of points about our exercises:
1. Our first product focuses on the auditory systems of the brain because so much of what we need to remember and process in life is auditory. Our auditory product improves speed of processing and accuracy of the auditory system. Tens of thousands of people have used this product and report remembering better, finding words more easily, following conversation more quickly and other benefits.
2. Newsweek’s Sharon Begley does a great job describing why the focus on auditory memory is so important in the article below. As you’ll read, our Brain Fitness Program is the only program on the market that improves your memory - not just the trained tasks. The the improvements “generalize” to broad measures of cognition. http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/labnotes/archive/2007/11/17/brain-training-how-it-works.aspx
3. The Posit Science program is the only one to have been shown effective in published, peer-reviewed studies. This is the scientific “gold standard” and the only way you can be certain a product actually works to improve cognitive function. No other product has undergone this rigorous clinical scrutiny, including others referenced above.

Best Regards,
Eric Mann

]]> by: Alvaro http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-130423 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:25:58 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/01/08/the-brain-fitness-program-dvd-michael-merzenich/#comment-130423 Hello Arlene, the Posit Science program is very narrow: it is design to train auditory processing. If you need that, it's the best. MindFit may be a better starter point for wider training. Other options include lumosity.com and happyneuron.com, both online, and more inexpensive. They are all different tools: it depends on what you want. For guidance, you can check our 10-Question Evaluation Checklist http://www.sharpbrains.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/sharpbrains_checklist.pdf and you can check this article in the Wall Street Journal http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/02/03/mindfit-and-posit-science-in-the-wall-street-journals-putting-brain-exercises-to-the-test/ Hello Arlene, the Posit Science program is very narrow: it is design to train auditory processing. If you need that, it's the best.

MindFit may be a better starter point for wider training. Other options include lumosity.com and happyneuron.com, both online, and more inexpensive.

They are all different tools: it depends on what you want. For guidance, you can check our 10-Question Evaluation Checklist
http://www.sharpbrains.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/sharpbrains_checklist.pdf

and you can check this article in the Wall Street Journal
http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/02/03/mindfit-and-posit-science-in-the-wall-street-journals-putting-brain-exercises-to-the-test/

]]>