Table of Contents
Foreword by Gloria Cavanaugh
Introduction: Debunking 10 Brain and Brain Fitness Myths
Chapter 1. The Brain and Brain Fitness 101
1.1. Brain structures
1.2. Brain functions
1.3. The aging brain
1.4. Neuroplasticity
1.5. Lifelong learning
1.6. What is brain fitness?
1.7. Interviews
• Dr. Mike Posner: What is attention and how to train it.
• Dr. James Zull: What is lifelong learning?.
• Dr. Eric Jensen: Learning and the brain.
• Dr. Robert Sylwester: Cognition and Brain development.
• Lee Woodruff: Recovering from traumatic brain injury.
Chapter 2. The 4 Pillars of Brain Maintenance
2.1. Why your lifestyle matters
2.2. Pillar 1: Nutrition guidelines
2.3. Pillar 2: Stress management
2.4. Pillar 3: Physical exercise
2.5. Pillar 4: Mental stimulation
2.6. Brain maintenance: Alzheimer’s prevention or cognitive enhancement?
2.7. Brain maintenance: summary and guidelines
2.8. Interviews
• Dr. Yaakov Stern: The connection between building a cognitive
reserve and delaying Alzheimer’s symptoms.
• Dr. Larry McCleary: A multi-pronged approach to brain health.
• Dr. Art Kramer: Why we need both physical and mental exercise.
• Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski: Healthy aging enhanced with computer-based programs.
Chapter 3. Mental Exercise vs. Mental Activity
3.1. What is mental exercise or “brain training”?
3.2. Different types of brain training
• Cognitive therapy
• Meditation
• Biofeedback
• Computer-based Software
3.3. Brain training software: An emerging field
3.4. Do brain training software programs really “work”?
3.5. Flood of brain training software without taxonomy
3.6. Interviews
• Dr. Judith Beck: The link between brain training and weight loss.
• Dr. Andrew Newberg: The value of meditation.
• Dr. Brett Steenbarger: Achieving peak performance in high-pressure professions.
• Dr. Martin Buschkuehl: Can intelligence be trained?
• Dr. Arthur Lavin: Working memory training at a pediatrician office.
Chapter 4. Brain Training Software: Profiles, Evaluation Criteria and 21 Quick Picks
4.1. Which exercises are most relevant?
4.2. SharpBrains’ checklist to evaluate computer-based programs
4.3. Mapping the brain training software landscape
4.4. Top 21 Quick Picks, by purpose
• Top 8 overall brain maintenance products
• Top 8 targeted brain workout products
• Top 5 stress management products
4.5. Products description and highlights
• Overall brain maintenance products
• Targeted brain workout products
• Stress management products
Chapter 5. A Growing Range of Applications
5.1. Healthy aging
5.2. Brain fitness centers in residential facilities
5.3. Cognitive assessments
5.4. Programs to improve driving skills
5.5. Brain disorders
• Stroke / Traumatic brain injury
• Attention deficit disorders
5.6. Schools
5.7. Insurance companies
5.8. Interviews
• Dr. Daniel Gopher: Applications for computer-based cognitive simulations.
• Dr. David Rabiner: Brain exercise implications for children with ADD/ADHD.
• Dr. Torkel Klingberg: Expanding working memory for children with ADD/ADHD.
• Dr. Jerri Edwards: Improving driving skills.
Chapter 6. Ready for the Future?
6.1. Brain fitness goes mainstream
• Increased emphasis on brain maintenance
• Integration of physical and mental exercise
• Broad government initiatives
6.2. Leveraging better tools
• Assessments of cognitive functions
• Computer-based tools to improve clinical conditions
• Low tech options
6.3. A growing ecosystem
• Psychologists and physicians
• Insurance companies
• U.S. military
• Corporate America
6.4. Conclusions
Chapter 7. Opening the Debate
7.1. The case for social engagement
7.2. Book club discussion guide
Glossary
References
About SharpBrains
Index
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