A recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a particular memory game called Dual N-Back may actually improve a persons short term memory. The study indicates that by regularly playing the Dual N-Back game, it may be possible to increase almost anyone’s IQ (or more accurately, gF), which was previously thought to be unchangeable.
The Dual N-Back game involves remembering both a sequence of spoken letters AND a sequence of positions of a square at the same time, hence the term “Dual” in the game name. The “N” refers to how many sequences back you remember.
Links to sites where you can find and play Dual N-Back are listed below:
Scientists have shown that our brains can change throughout our lives. This ability to change is what scientists call neuroplasticity. It is in fact the basis for all learning.
Over on the Sharp Brains website, Dr. Pascale Michelon writes that neuroplasticity occurs in the brain:
1- At the beginning of life: when the immature brain organizes itself.
2- In case of brain injury: to compensate for lost functions or maximize remaining functions.
3- Through adulthood: whenever something new is learned and memorized
So, what does this mean to me? It means I don’t necessarily have to let my advancing age (over 30) negatively impact my brain function. In fact, via my brains neuroplasticity, my brain can continue to develop, grow new brain cells, and make new brain connections throughout my life. What’s needed in order for me to do this is to stimulate my brain with something new and challenging on a regular basis.
With respect to online brain games, playing challenging games can help improve many cognitive functions. Through mentally challenging activities we can train and improve memory, processing speed, decision making, alertness, periphery vision, etc. The key in playing brain games is to be continually challenged. Playing the same game at the same level eventually loses its ability to challenge me, and thus loses its benefit from the perspective of growing and improving brain functions.
Here at the online brain games blog site we have many online brain games to continually keep you challenged. So go play some free online brain games today and grow some new neurons!
If you need some more evidence on how important regular exercise is – both physical and mental – for improved health and longevity, you gotta check this video out.
Over at Sharpbrains, I came across an article which stressed the importance of proper nutrition, exercise and rest for improved brain health. We’ve known such a holistic approach is needed for proper physical health, but how often do we think about this with respect to brain health. The artricle noted that both physical and mental exercise benefit our brain. Both forms of exercise help us grow new brain cells.
Online brain games, including free brain games, are excellent ways to exercise and stimulate our brains. Such activity has been shown to grow new brain cells and repair old ones. In addition, they help stave off dementia and other brain diseases. The key is both regular and varied brain stimulation.
Run on over to the article at Sharpbrains for more information on a wholistic approach to brain health.
