In case you are not aware there is a relatively new movement, an industry if you will, in brain fitness.

Brain fitness is your brain’s ability to strengthen connections between neurons and even to promote new neurons in certain parts of the brain so you can maintain important brain functions. What is not new is the neuropsychological and neuroscientific research that demonstrates regular and vigorous mental activity can improve your brain fitness, which means you’ll have a better memory, be able to focus, and process information quickly. It is the old use it or lose it theory.

The debate is not that regular brain exercise improves cognitive function, but rather on whether exercising the brain can delay or prevent the beginning of dementia. That brings on the questions about what types of brain exercise are most effective.

I for one am not going to worry about the onset of dementia, at least not too much. I will engage in whatever brain exercise I need to if it improves how I function today and tomorrow. Not getting dementia would be a bonus. Even insurance companies are promoting computerized cognitive training these days for better safety among older adults.

What have grown is the number and the range of brain fitness products during the last few years. For instance, brain fitness activities are becoming very common place in facilities and centers catering to the elderly. The market experts tell us that the industry will grow from grossing $265 million in 2008 to $5 in 2015. That is substantial!

Today they have products that you can do at home most of which come with online support. Even Nintendo and other gaming companies now offer games designed specifically of However, the industry is unregulated and few of the programs showed improved performance for the users. For instance, one program may train you to memorize a list of words but that’s not going to be much help when you cannot remember where you left your car keys. Right now we read anecdotal reports and testimonials from satisfied customers, which is not all bad.

Are you playing any computer games specifically to improve your brain?I’m told that playing bridge on line may be counted as a brain fitness program. Tell us what you are doing and what you know about brain fitness.

To your healthy aging success.

Ruthan Brodsky