How to save your brain: Playing computer games or taking a walk?

An article about whether computerized brain games are effective in brain fitness appeared today in Scientific American. Looks like the jury is still out on the computer games but we know that alternatives do work. (See below for many suggestions on free ways to achieve good brain performance.) From "Brain Games: Do They Really Work?":

Several studies have already demonstrated that exercise and socialization in later life have positive effects on cognition, and both of these are as easy as taking a walk and calling a friend. Even the simple act of practicing juggling for a week increases gray matter in brain areas involved in visual and motor activity (even if you never become very good at juggling!). What, then, is the rationale for using expensive brain games, which are essentially solitary activities that require you to shell out the bucks, sit on your gluteus maximus, stare at a screen and exercise little more than your index finger as it pushes the button on the mouse? The immediate answer is that we don’t know. We simply cannot say

that brain games are better than activities such as learning a new language because no one has done those sorts of scientific comparisons. ... [M]aybe brain games lead to unnecessary frustration, boredom or even added isolation. 

One thing remains clear: there is no serious harm to brain training other than the effect on your wallet (and the risk of some egg on your face if your seven-year old can play them better). And evidence is accumulating that they not only improve the skills they are designed to help, but likely generalize to other cognitive abilities and have some long-lasting benefits. If you’re working at them now, we advise you to keep it up! Perhaps computerized brain training will eventually evolve into a form of cyber-vaccine,... . In the meantime, you can get cheaper and easily accessed brain benefits the old-fashioned way: eat your fruits and vegetables, exercise, don’t be afraid to try new activities and be a social butterfly. Your brain will really thank you!

Here's an article with several suggestions for the "old-fashion way": "Build your brain without shrinking your wallet" (Idaho Statesman).

But do you need a brain gym (memberships can cost about $60 per month) or a fancy computer program (some sell for nearly $900!) to stop or reverse this natural mental meltdown? Nope. Here's all it takes to get the same brain-building power for (nearly) free:

Click for the suggestions. What are you doing to exercise your brain?

Comments

[Doc Gee]

Stephanie,

Great question to pose, but is it an either/or question or a question that goes as follows: what are the best practices that together nourish, grow and keep our embodied brains fit?

With that in mind, a thought about empirical testing of games:

Isn't it fascinating that the neuroscience of learning for children points to the powerful role online and offline practices, like games, art, & playful exercise improve cognitive skills in math and science.

And on the other end of the aging spectrum, "mental stimulation" and "exercise" long with nutrition and stress reduction are said to be the "4 pillars" of brain health (Alvaro Fernandez, CEO sharpbrains.com)

Regarding games in comparison to say art programs for seniors: I would ask: What are the goals of the game? Do they share anything in common with art making or viewing?

And if we look at this from a neuroanatomical pov, then the question itself turns to: What areas/networks do each activity stimulate?

Would love to hear the comments coming in on this one.

Synaptically yours,

M. A. Greenstein, Ph.D., R.Y.T.
Write: drg@greensteininstitue.com
Publisher: http://www.bodiesinspace.com
Founding Director, The George Greenstein Institute, dedicated to creating a sustainable future by coaching entrepreneurial leadership