Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. The goal of this blog is to interact with individuals who are interested in increasing their awareness and learn more about mind-brain technologies that can enhance all aspects of cognitive performance. More specifically, this blog will offer current information in the areas of improving memory, concentration and general cognitive function for individuals suffering from attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities, those suffering from a head injury, brain injury or stroke, and those who are experiencing absentmindedness and memory impairment as a result of aging or stress. Lastly, anyone who is interested in improving brain fitness, achieve mental peak performance and generally improve memory and focus.
Please feel free to post your comments and ask questions.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Dr. Bob Gottfried, Toronto, Canada
Background: Bob Gottfried Ph.D. is the clinical director of Advanced Cognitive Enhancement (ACE) clinics. He also consults to a number of wellness-based organizations. Dr. Gottfried specializes in post-traumatic conditions and neuro-cognitive rehabilitation with 20 years of clinical experience. He developed innovative cognitive enhancement tools and has published courses and programs for improving concentration and memory. His cognitive technologies have been implemented in a number of interactive programs both online and offline (software).
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November 30, 2009 12:28:36
Posted By Mind-Brain Technologies
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A new study confirms that Alpha waves can diminish your attention and cause you to make mistakes.
According to the study, led by researchers at the University of California and the Donders Institute of the Netherlands, the appearance of Alpha waves, while trying to focus on a cognitive task can be the reason why we sometimes make mistakes such as spilling a cup of coffee or failing to notice a stop sign. It can also explain the source of the difficulties that ADHD individuals experience when trying to perform a task that requires sustained attention. These unwanted Alpha waves interfere with the regular Beta waves that are present when a cognitive task is executed.
Generally, Alpha waves are in use during daydreaming or when a person closes his eyes. However, if an Alpha wave (that comes from the back of the brain) moves to the frontal cortex while trying to concentrate on a task, this will create a cognitive lapse that will result in some form of an error. Although an important discovery, this is not entirely new. Neuro-cognitive specialists have known for some time that individuals with ADHD maintain an excessive amount of slow brain waves (Alpha and/or Theta waves) that prevent the frontal lobes from being fully engaged and are therefore, unable to sustain attention when required and for as long as it is required. ADHD is a neurological impairment that a person is born with.
However, the brain is quite an amazing organ that can adjust and upgrade itself if it is taught how to do it (an ability commonly referred to as “neuroplasticity”). The programs developed at the ACEclinics can train the brain to reduce slow brain wave activity such as Alpha and Theta and increase the production Beta 1 and Beta 2 waves, which as a result will improve the overall ability to focus, concentrate, remember and process information adequately.
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July 6, 2009 05:51:29
Posted By Mind-Brain Technologies
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Researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in children without ADHD. Many of those genes were already known to be important for learning, behavior, brain function and neurodevelopment, but had not been previously associated with ADHD. The study appeared online in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Drawing on DNA samples from the Children's Hospital pediatric network, the researchers analyzed genomes from 335 ADHD patients and their families, compared to more than 2,000 unrelated healthy children. The team used highly automated gene-analyzing technology at the Center for Applied Genomics at Children's Hospital, directed by Hakon Hakonarson, M.D., Ph.D.,
a co-leader of this study.
Source: Elia et al, "Rare Structural Variants Found in Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder Are Preferentially Associated with
Neurodevelopmental Genes," Molecular Psychiatry, published online, June 23,
COMMENTS:
The knowledge that ADHD is an inherited neurological condition still comes as a surprise when mentioned to many of the patients in my clinic. Such news, however, provide some relief for parents who think they have not been bringing up their children very well, and kids are happy to learn that their condition is not a result of being lazy or dumb.
This is an excellent study that might lead one day to better understanding of ADHD, which is quite a complex disorder. Naturally, much more research is required in order to find a cure. In the meantime, specialized brain training software such as Sharper Brain could be quite beneficial in overcoming some of the neurological difficulties associated with the disorder.
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June 22, 2009 08:39:38
Posted By Mind-Brain Technologies
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Lately, many companies trying to capitalize on the increasing demand for brain training have created all types of software or online-based mental exercises and games, claiming that they can improve brain function. Although such activities can be fun and somewhat beneficial for maintaining overall brain health, they cannot fix problems. There is a big difference between brain training in general and neuro-cognitive training.
Let's use an example to point out the main difference between the two approaches. Going to the gym and doing weight lifting is overall healthy to maintain the muscles toned. But if you have a specific problem, for instance you pulled a muscle, or tore a ligament, you will need more specialized exercises to treat an injured area. Neuro-cognitive training works on resolving specific difficulties, whereas brain fitness or general brain training can really help with maintenance. So, if you suffered from a head or brain injury, or if you have a memory impairment because of a chronic condition such as chronic fatigue, chronic pain, post-traumatic disorder, aging or if you are suffering from ADD/ADHD, then just regular video games or brain training is not going to do the trick for you. You will need a specialized neuro-cognitive training.
One of the ways to identify whether a program is intended for general training or designed to resolve specific cognitive difficulties, is to read about each program and to see whether the descriptions provided by the company promoting the program are general or specific. General brain training usually points to general benefits such as improving concentration, or improving memory, or improve your brain health, whereas a specialized program will be much more specific; for instance, improving working memory, improve long-term memory, improving audio-visual coordination, improving multi-tasking or executive functions, and so forth.
Also, neuro-cognitive programs will directly indicate that they were created to help treat specific conditions or deficiencies like ADHD, etc. Here is an example of cognitive skills addressed by a neuro-cognitive program developed at the ACE clinic: http://www.sharperprograms.com/benefits
In summary, before choosing a program, make sure that you understand what you need it for and verify that the program was indeed created to cater your specific needs.
If you have any specific questions about the topic, feel free to post a comment and I will try my best to answer your questions.
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June 5, 2009 09:37:24
Posted By Mind-Brain Technologies
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Background
It is estimated that over 5% of all children in North America are experiencing at least one form of attention deficit disorder. ADHD is characterized by one or more of the following: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Learning disabilities are characterized by one or more difficulties associated with attention, reading, writing, oral language, reasoning, memorizing, and problem solving. Further difficulties may include compromised organizational skills and social interaction.
The question of whether or not attention deficit disorders can be remedied has received significant attention from many researchers. Treating children and adolescents with medication has proven to be helpful but is limited by side effects and tolerance.
The introduction of Neurofeedback (also known as EEG Biofeedback), has offered new hope for parents wanting to help resolve the attention related problems of their children without the use of medication. Neurofeedback research has shown that training brain wave patterns can remedy cognitive impairment associated with attention deficit related to ADD, ADHD and LD (learning disabilities).
Brain wave activity and Levels of Attention
The brain produces different frequencies for different levels of attention. They include the following:
Delta – sleep state
Theta – between sleep and awake, also a meditative state
Alpha – relaxed state
Beta1 – focused concentration
Beta2 – alert state
Beta3 – very alert, vigilant
Beta4 – Hyper vigilant
The ability to produce the right brain states, especially those associated with focus and attention is paramount to be able to perform a variety of cognitive tasks such as listening, learning and processing information in general. In addition, the ability to shift from one state to another when required, offers tremendous mental flexibility, which results in enhanced mental performance in every area of life. Click here to read the complete article
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June 1, 2009 04:13:23
Posted By Mind-Brain Technologies
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The term brain fitness has, in recent years, become a favorite term when talking about brain health. After all, we exercise to improve physical fitness, why not exercising the brain – the body’s most important organ?
What’s regarded as good brain fitness practices? Researchers from UCLA found out that searching topics of interest on the internet stimulates more brain circuitry when compared with just reading. Why is that? Basically, anything that triggers the brain to engage in a stimulating, interesting or challenging mental activities can be considered healthy brain practices. Puzzles, Sudoku and brain teasers are great, but learning a new language, in fact learning any new skill would do wonders to your brain.
But not only mental challenges can contribute to good brain health. Eating right, exercising, even having fun are all important factors in helping the brain to function well, maintain flexibility and age slowly. However, I believe that reducing stress is the single most important factor in improving brain health. It is chronic, unresolved stress that can be very taxing for the brain and may speed up its aging process. Good stress management practices are, therefore, very important for improving brain fitness.
A few years ago, a reporter interviewed me for an article on memory. She complained that she herself was having memory problems despite her young age. She was afraid she was suffering from dementia. I calmed her down and told her that her problem was most likely her high level of stress and suggested that she reduce her workload (she was working on many projects at the same time). I happened to speak with her a few months later, and she confirmed that she indeed reduced her multitasking activities, and combined with some of the memory improvement techniques I taught her, her memory (and stress management) significantly improved.
Are you engaged directly in any brain fitness activity? I would love to get your comments, including what works for you, what kind of goals you are trying to accomplish and if you don’t mind, please also mention your age.
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