BS: Software to revitalize the brain?

Subject: RE: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: ragdall
Date: 16 Apr 07 - 06:13 PM

Jim,
I want to get my short term memory back. How does one practice that?

Subject: RE: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 12:29 PM

I'm skeptical of stuff like this.

People often argue that the brain is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets. But it's not that simple.

Obviously a person who can lift a 100-pound barbell can also lift a 100-pound box of books, but a person who can play the piano can't necessarily play the violin, although one is arguably just as difficult as the other. A person who can solve a crossword puzzle can't necessarily solve a calculus problem. And so on.

If you do a lot of crossword puzzles, you become good at doing crossword puzzles. But does it make you good at anything else? Does it help you remember where you left your keys?

Common sense says, do the thing you want to be good at. If you want to be good at playing video games, play video games. If you want to be good at playing the violin, practice playing the violin. Practicing the piano might help a little bit, but it won't help you as much as practicing on the violin. (And having a good teacher.)

I could be wrong of course. But if someone wants to argue differently, I'd want to see the research to back it up.

Subject: RE: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 06:16 PM

Best stick to proven technology, such as Cryptic Crosswords and learning new instruments (or new tunings).

Subject: RE: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 06:28 AM

IT'S THE NEXT STEP IN COMPUTERS TAKING OVER HUMAN BRAINS.

Mine is already trying to take mine over via pernicious Capslock. I think I'm winning though!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: Grab
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 06:06 AM

Last I heard, it's a "use it or lose it" situation. So if you do activities that require serious mental activity, you're less likely to suffer from problems.

So this could work. Or you could try learning a new musical instrument, or a new language. They're also going to give benefits, and you might have something to show for it. :-)

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 07:34 PM

This Page has some samples to try out, though it didn't work for me. As I did the task, there was nothing to tell me if I'd got it right; no buttons to click on to progress, might be my browser.

I would suspect there are other programs which would do as well. If you search for MindFit at Amazon, there are several programs which are much less expensive. Thanks for posting about it.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: ragdall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 05:10 PM

I see the name garbled because this program didn't like the coding. It's MindFit TM.

Subject: BS: Software to revitalize the brain?
From: ragdall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 05:08 PM

An article in Apr. 9/07 MacLean's magazine gives a good review to a commercial software product which claims to reverse memory loss and improve brain function in persons over 60. As a woman in this category who is bothered with short term memory problems, I'm interested in trying the software, but it cost a fair bit of money.

I looked it up. It's called "MindFit�". Has anyone here bought it and used it? If so, could you please share any comments about it?

I noticed that they suggest ordering a copy for each person who will be using it so I'm wondering if the program can be used more than once? Related to that, assuming that the program is effective, what happens after a person completes the program? Will s/he have to repeat it often to maintain the improved brain function?

rags