Brain Training - Exploiting Brain Plasticity

For children, learning happens effortlessly. By six years of age, children know over ten thousand words and learn dozens of new words on a daily basis. By contrast, learning a new language as an adult can be hard going. This curious and dramatic difference between the child and the adult brain is so familiar that we don't even question it. But the mechanism and reason for the difference provides a powerful way for us to increase our adult mental abilities.

During the critical period of childhood learning, a child's brain produces large quantities of a protein known as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This process triggers the nucleus basalis (the brain's attention center), keeping the brain constantly ready to absorb new memories and skills. Children pay attention to everything... well, almost everything.

In our late teens our bodies begin to produce a lot more BDNF, a trigger that shuts down the brain's attention center. While it may seem odd that our bodies put an end to effortless learning, from an evolutionary perspective it makes good sense; as adults we need to discriminate between choices, stay focused, and avoid unproductive distractions.

Until recently, scientists thought that the adult brain was incapable of growth or change, and that we were resigned to a long, slow mental decline. But recent advancements in brain science have proven that this is far from true. Activities that demand attention reactivate the brain's attention center. And when we carry out mental tasks that produce a sense of accomplishment, we create conditions under which the brain can grow and change.

Intense focus at a challenging task results in neurogenesis (new nerve cell growth) and neuroplasticity (rewiring of brain structure). If we activate these processes while training core brain functions (e.g., processing speed, memory, and problem-solving ability) we can strengthen and improve our mental ability.

The Three Building Blocks of Effective Brain Training

1. Focus

With mental focus and attention the nucleus basalis produces acetylcholine. Acetylcholine stimulates the brain's long term memory and retention.

2. Reward

Mental challenge and reward stimulate the production of another brain chemical - dopamine - which in turn is critical for plastic change.

3. Targeted Training

Together these two brain chemicals stimulate the growth of new nerve cells, and produce conditions under which the brain can grow and change. If this mental condition is accompanied by an exercise that strengthens and improves core functions, we end up with lasting improvements in our mental ability.

Brain Training In Practice

There are many activities that stimulate neural growth and help us stay mentally fit - studying a new language, tackling puzzles and brain teasers, learning a new skill - but while these are relevant and worthy pursuits, they're not as targeted and effective as a carefully designed and scientifically tested brain training exercise.

The right brain training software can strengthen core brain functions in a highly efficient, measurable and predictable way. This brings a slew of possibilities: Brain training is being used today for correcting learning dysfunctions, reversing the adverse effects of aging, helping to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms or dementia, improving academic success, and for plain old self-improvement. Some training programs can even produce measurable increases in fluid intelligence or problem-solving ability - until recently believed to be impossible.

Brain training is relatively new, with such untested products on the market it's hard to know which ones will achieve the desired results. This presents us with the challenge of first identifying which product is right for us. They range in cost from less than fifty dollars to several hundred dollars, and the variance in efficacy is, if anything, even greater. (Some brain training programs are both affordable and effective.)

Before purchasing a brain training program, check the scientific pedigree of the training exercises it incorporates. Does the vendor spell out specifically what the training will accomplish, providing measurable gains in memory or processing ability? And does the product come with a training schedule, telling you how much time you should devote to the exercises and over what period you should train?

Lastly, it's important to remain aware that even the best brain training program requires our focus and diligence - those essential elements of brain plasticity. As with physical exercise, we can't improve if we don't exert ourselves. But the rewards if we do so will be well worth it.

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