> “We object to the claim that brain games offer consumers a scientifically grounded avenue to reduce or reverse cognitive decline when there is no compelling scientific evidence to date that they do. The promise of a magic bullet detracts from the best evidence to date, which is that cognitive health in old age reflects the long-term effects of healthy, engaged lifestyles. In the judgment of the signatories below, exaggerated and misleading claims exploit the anxieties of older adults about impending cognitive decline. We encourage continued careful research and validation in this field.”
In contrast, see the 17 articles linked at:
http://blog.strong-brain.com/mental-agility/research/
The situation is no different than that regarding plasticity. One can easily find such "consensus" statements in the pre-50s literature to the effect that brain structure and neuron "allotment" is fixed by adolescence.
There are some papers that claim it yes, but there are meta analysis papers that take those into account as well and overall conclusion is that it doesn't help with "fluid intelligence". One can develop new skills though just like with every other activity.
There are currently no proven means to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. All we have right now are many methods with weak evidence for reducing the risk of the disease. It's mostly a crap shoot. I think the best advice right now is
1) get plenty of sleep every night
2) avoid head injuries
There are many others, use at your own discretion.
I've heard it said a few times by neuroscientists and doctors that the best thing you can do for your brain health is regular exercise (standard 30 minutes elevated heart rate stuff: like running or swimming).
Totally anecdotal but at least you can measure blood-flow to the brain and draw conclusions based on waste-product-metabolism, etc.
I'd have to agree with you on this. Lumosity has claimed similar (positive) brain effects occur when playing its games online. Not sure the exact ratio, but I know for a fact there are many doctors that disagree these Lumosity games have a significant (if any) positive improvement to cognitive abilities/functions.
Maybe they don't stave off Alzheimer's (or maybe they do... who knows). But I'm betting they do exercise certain cognitive facilities if done regularly.
The site design is charmingly old-school.