New research reveals: Not all brain exercises are created equal

A few years ago, research came out showing that brain-training exercises—tests, games, and classes designed to improve memory—may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.

This analysis consisted of 52 clinical trials—involving about 4,900 healthy people age 60 or older. It showed that computerized brain training programs carried out in a proper education center can improve cognition in older adults.

But as Dr. Marc Micozzi explains in his Complete Alzheimer’s Prevention & Repair Protocol, new research has emerged showing that not all brain training exercises are effective at preserving brain function and preventing dementia.

This new evidence found that “brain-boosting” products promoted for solitary use at home are gimmicks and just don’t work. They also discovered that while one to three brain-training sessions per week were effective, any more than that actually appeared to neutralize the benefits.

Dr. Micozzi says, “As with physical exercise, there is such a thing as ‘overkill’ in mental exercise. And at a certain point, the law of diminishing returns sets in. Your body and brain need at least one day of rest between exercises for optimum effectiveness.”

The study also analyzed computer cognitive training (CCT)—which consists of standardized mental tasks on personal computers, mobile devices, or gaming consoles at home.

Overall, the researchers found that CCT had small but significant effects on study participants’ cognition. There were also small to moderate effects on memory, mental processing speed, and visual-spatial skills.

But there was no improvement in attention levels or executive function—making plans, keeping track of time, multitasking, analyzing ideas, and so on.

Dr. Micozzi says he’s not surprised by this, “Computers are a useful technology for accessing information, doing work, and being productive, but they may not be the best solution for your overall mental health.”

Instead, there’s a simpler way to stay sharp as you age. Research indicates that simply using your brain in everyday tasks is highly effective at keeping you mentally fit.

Dr. Micozzi explains, “Instead of always forcing your mind to interact with electronic machines, give it a workout with unplugged, everyday tasks. Do the arithmetic in your head when you’re shopping or at a restaurant, instead of using a calculator. Use a map instead of a GPS device to navigate to your destination. Make and keep a list in your head instead of entering it on your handheld device.”

In the end, Dr. Micozzi believes these small tweaks to your everyday routine could have a big impact on your cognitive health.

This is just one of the many natural approaches Dr. Micozzi recommends to help keep your memory sharp in his Complete Alzheimer’s Prevention & Repair Protocol. Click here to learn more or to get started today.