this sounds really interesting has any one accually done it on this list. if so and some one does get a copy it would be interesting if they could upload it so we can all have a go at it ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Vlasak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Gamers Discussion list" <gamers@audyssey.org> Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 3:52 AM Subject: [Audyssey] $400 audio Brain Fitness game
Study: Aging Brains Can Benefit from 'Training' By Jon Hamilton Morning Edition, November 19, 2007ยท A new study suggests that one hour a day of intensive brain exercise can improve thinking and memory. The study involving more than 400 adults age 65 and older found that those who underwent training scored higher on general memory tests. The Posit Science Brain Fitness Program takes time and effort, and it doesn't promise miracles. Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski from the University of Southern California led a study of more than 400 people 65 or older who participated in the program. Those who completed 40 hours of Brain Fitness training performed significantly better on memory tests than a comparison group who spent 40 hours watching educational lectures. After training, Zelinski says, a typical 75-year-old did as well on the tests as an untrained person 10 years younger. And the people who got training said it improved their daily lives. "It might mean a small difference in being able to remember your grocery list when you left your list home," Zelinski said. "So, they may remember several more items." Scientists already know about techniques to improve specific aspects of memory, like recalling a string of numbers. But the program appears to bolster a much wider range of memory tasks. The Brain Fitness program comes from Posit Science, a company whose founders include a prominent brain researcher in California. Zelinski works as a consultant for the company, which funded the new study. Dr. Henry Mahncke is the vice president for research and outcomes. He says the program takes an unusual approach -- it uses sounds to improve memory. "What it's doing is it's improving the speed and accuracy of processing in your auditory system," Mahncke said. Over time, people learn to identify shorter and shorter bursts of sound. Mahnke says that helps the brain do a better job processing information from the outside world. But Dr. Matthew Shapiro, a neuroscientist at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, says potential buyers of this program -- which costs nearly $400 retail -- need to be realistic. "To get any improvement, they'll have to really mobilize their effort and their attention," Shapiro said. "If they do that, they're likely to see an improvement in their abilities, but they shouldn't expect large changes." The new study was presented at the Gerontological Society of America Meeting in San Francisco. You can clikc on the Listen link to hear the sound of the game at, http://thin.npr.org/s.php?sId=16411605&rId=3&x=1 --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
