On Labor Day, National Public Radio aired “Can Exercises Help Us Hold On To Our Memories?” (Link here).
This interview with Dr. Art Kramer (professor of Science and Psychology at the University of Illinois) and Dr. Gary Small (UCLA Center on Aging) was about the efficacy of computer games like Mind Fit and Brain Age. The good news is that you can improve memory, cognitive speed, attention, visual-spatial skills and decision making capabilities. These skills can be retained but the jury is out as to whether they can translate to other skills or can be transferred to the “real world.”
While these games are promising, they do not take the place of the more comprehensive personal training programs that we have at Sparks of Genius www.sparksofgenius.com. We use a high tech/high touch approach with a specialized computerized program designed for you. In addition to this training, we use a multiple intelligence approach to identify your sparks of genius. We measure your success on the computer and we help you to transfer what you learn to the “real world.”
The games discussed on NPR work with minor to mild memory related concerns. Used in conjunction with diet, exercise and social interactions, they can enhance memory and cognitive functioning. Dr Kramer mused that one day we could go to our health club, do the memory and speed training skills recommended by our neurologist, do our physical work out and then go to our book club meeting.
In fact, brain fitness centers like Sparks of Genius are already in existence. At Brain Training Summer Boot Camp for 7-12 year olds, we recently integrated exercises which improve physical and mental strength, stamina, balance and flexibility. Computer games to improve memory and attention were a critical part of the program. Personal Trainers made sure each child had a sense of accomplishment.
We like and agree with what Jeffrey W. Elias, Ph. D. at the UC Davis School of Medicine and the Editor of Experimental Aging Research had to say on the NPR blog of Can Exercises Help Us Hold On To Our Memories?
“I believe, and research supports the notion, that activity fostering social or cognitive engagement, while at the same time providing a sense of reward and accomplishment, is good for the soul and the brain. It is not just the activity itself that is important, but the sense of accomplishment and reward often leading to greater willingness to engage in the activities of life. This feeling of increased “self-efficacy” can occur even when the specific effects of training are minimal.”
So can exercises help us to hold on to our memories? Our answer is yes. And yes, a sense of accomplishment is essential to ongoing success. That’s what Sparks of Genius is all about.
–Ninah Kessler, LCSW and Rohn Kessler, Ed. D.
