MindFit - Keep Your Mind Young and Fit
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Cognition is the process of knowing or being aware of thoughts and perception. All human activities rely on cognitive abilities. Many older people fear the loss of cognitive abilities. Minor problems with abilities, such as memory and attention, are commonly considered to be the beginning of a more serious deterioration leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
Recent research, however, has shown that cognitive skills can be strengthened much like muscles through physical exercise. It was once believed that the brain was hard-wired after the first few years of life and that the connections between neurons would decline until there was a noticeable impact on cognitive abilities. More recent research, however, shows that the brain is dynamic rather than static; neurons respond to stimulation and learning, continually reorganising and becoming stronger.
In particular, it is thought that building up 'cognitive reserve' of mental capacity is important to maintain good cognitive health into old age. Cognitive reserve is rather like bank reserves: it's always there when you most need it.
Why use Computerised Training Though?
This is an excellent question! Why not simply read more, or do daily crosswords, or take up a hobby?
Computers have a major advantage: they can adjust to the level of challenge that is optimal for each person. Consider, for example, the level of challenge of a crossword puzzle. If it is too difficult, after a few futile attempts we would likely give up. If it is too easy, and we feel that there is little or no challenge involved, this will quickly become boring and we will lose interest. It is only when the puzzle is at some optimal level of challenge – at our Edge of Competence - that it has the capacity to mobilize our attention and get us deeply involved. In the case of the crossword puzzle this is merely a matter of luck, and there is nothing that can be done to effectively optimize the level of challenge for us.
The situation becomes dramatically different when a computer is involved. It can measure the precise time it took us to carry out a particular task, and whether we completed it successfully. On the basis of such information, it can adjust the difficulty of the current task, or select another one best fitting our needs.
The computer's ability to present well designed stimuli in both visual and auditory modes, is another important advantage. The storing of detailed information about the users' performance allows important lessons to be learned both online and offline.
MindFit designs the training programme that is ideal for YOU - that is, at exactly the 'edge of competence' that is designed maximally to stimulate the brain.
10 Reasons to Choose MindFit Today:
- Designed for use by people aged 50 and over
- Written in British English and simple to understand
- Modelled on a personal trainer/physical gym experience with customised training and feedback
- Structured to show a lasting result after 10 weeks
- Based on cutting edge neuroscience research from Oxford University
- Rated as best overall product by Wall Street Journal in February 2007
- Validated by scientific research in October 2007 (120 participants)
- Described in the British Medical Journal in February 2008
- Endorsed by Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield – Professor of Synaptic Pharmacology at Oxford University and the Director of the Royal Institution
- Focused on improving by 10% or more, the four most common areas of mental ageing: Reaction Time, Short Term Memory, Memory Recall, Eye Hand Coordination
The Science of MindFit is Built on:
- A study of Nuns and Priests showed mental stimulation reduced incidence of dementia over a five year timeframe
- A study of London taxi drivers showed that learning and using ‘The Knowledge’ (road routes and addresses) lead to physical growth in the taxi drivers brains
- Lead to physical growth in the taxi drivers brains 'all things considered, it’s hard not to conclude that brain training has been proven to work – under certain circumstances” from “A Game to Train your Brain' by Graham Lawton New Scientist January 2008
- Structured to show a lasting result after 10 weeks
- A trial of MindFit against a carefully selected range of computer games showed that both activities improved ability to carry out a range of tasks (i.e. not just to play games) BUT that those using MindFit did SIGNIFICANTLY better
View Demo 1
The 'Two in One' task trains your dual-task skill: that is your ability to perform two tasks simultaneously. For example, we often answer the phone while we continue doing our ongoing duties. The “Two in One” task exercises the ability to perform such tasks quickly and accurately .View Demo 2
The 'Inside and Outside' task was designed to train your divided attention skills. Divided attention is the ability to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. For example, when you drive, you can also listen to the radio or talk with your companions.View Demo 3
The 'Picasso' task is an example of how the MindFit program trains your visual short-term memory, as well as your ability to rebuild a pattern from given parts. You are required to memorize an abstract design as a whole, as well as the specific parts that comprise it. You will need to develop your own strategy to do both within a limited time. For instance, when we build something from a kit, we need to join different bits of information in a logical way.MindFit’s Three Stages Programme:
Self Assessment: The assessment takes about an hour and is divided into three sittings. The software assesses your mental strengths and weaknesses and automatically creates a personal “workout” programme. It must be emphasised that the whole process is anonymous for maximum protection of the individual’s privacy. Training: Each practise session lasts for about 20 minutes and is made up of three tasks. It is recommended to train 3 times a week.
- As training progresses, the program adjusts the level of difficulty of each task depending of your specific performance. The complete training programme includes 3 cycles of 24 training sessions with 21 different challenging tasks. You have access to 'Task Pool', a pool of exercises which enables you to practice as much as you like all the exercises performed at least once.
- Feedback: Another unique feature of MindFit is its “Personal Coach'. As you train, MindFit provides continual feedback and analysis of your performance and progress both during and at the end of the training.
- In addition, the software also provides you with information about the cognitive skills being exercised in each training task and their relevance to everyday functioning.
Scientific Background:
What are cognitive abilities?
Cognitive abilities are the brain-related skills and mental processes that are needed to carry out task - from the simplest to the most complex. Every task can be broken down in to the different cognitive skills that are needed to complete that task successfully.
Is it scientifically proven that MindFit can improve cognitive skills?
Yes, MindFit is the only patented brain fitness programme scientifically validated by an independent third party. There are many research publications about the effectiveness of brain training even in old age. As for MindFit, the research findings presented showed that MindFit keeps minds sharper than other computer games and software can. In other research studies, MindFit has helped users to improve their short-term memory by 18% (see information PDF for more details).
Is it necessary to train in the presence or under the supervision of a psychologist, other specialist?
On the contrary, the programme was designed for training independently, it is user- friendly and self-explained and you can do it by yourself.
Does MindFit prevent Alzheimer, dementia, Parkinson?
We only wish it could; unfortunately, nothing can prevent those conditions. However, it might postpone the appearance of the cognitive symptoms.
Can Alzheimer disease patients train with MindFit?
Yes, in the mild and moderate stages of AD the patients can benefit from the training.
USA’s Alzheimer’s Association
“… recent findings from clinical trials have heightened interest in the value of mental activities by showing a positive effect from cognitive training on certain cognitive domains.”
See full report at following URL:
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/report_healthybraininitiative.pdf
Can Parkinson patients use MindFit?
It depends on the motor control of the person. If a person can operate the computer mouse, he/she can benefit from the cognitive training.
Can training with MindFit mask, hide an illness related to cognitive deterioration?
On the contrary, the programme is sensitive enough to detect minute changes in cognitive functioning, and the 'Personal coach' will send a message of concern if the user deteriorates in any of the tasks. Thus, it could serve as a warning signal that would send the user to thorough check-up.
Does the training really update itself?
Yes, there is an internal mechanism to update the user's results.
What is my personal coach? When and how does it operate?
The personal coach is a virtual specialist which gives the user a feedback on his performance (for example preference of a certain stimuli) and the user's progress in a general manner, the personal coach also gives remarks in cases of deterioration in the user's performance and sometimes this can be the first indicator of a development of a disease or a certain condition.
What People Say About MindFit:
“David and I are both still using MindFit. I'm 71 and David is 72 1/2. The exercises are fun and interesting. I always do a few before I start editing David's novels or preparing query letters for publishers. The exercises give me a boost in my confidence. Sometimes, David and I both get frustrated by exercises we find hard to do. Those exercises are different for both of us. We both keep trying. Using MindFit is very helpful.”Janet
“ “I have now installed it and I really enjoy doing these exercises. They seem simple and yet difficult at the same time, but really keep you alert. I do enjoy them greatly.” Kris
“ “I was very apprehensive about the program. I was afraid it would be something of an IQ test and that I might feel really stupid. But the program is nothing like that at all. The exercises are fun. I've only completed the first one, and I'm anxious to start the second one. I'm confident that my memory and attention will improve. My mother has Alzheimer's. I'm hoping MindFit will prevent or, at the very least, delay a decline in my cognitive skills.” Peggy, 67
“Just a note to let you know that I recently installed your MindFit program. It was quite easy to install. Although I have just begun using your program. Thus far, I have found it very easy to follow with simple instructions. I also appreciate the information provided on my progress, as well as how each exercise can be applied to daily life. I am looking forward to hearing from my personal coach as I proceed through the program's schedule.” Molly, 56
Since I have the programme, I have not stopped using it. It is very user friendly. I am sure that the brain needs training and sharpening and this programme is wonderful for that.” Jonathan G., Haifa, Israel
“I'm not sure I have the words to express my appreciation for this program. I am 45 years old and have dementia. I know what I was capable of doing almost 3 years ago and know that I cannot do a fraction of the same tasks now. After doing the program's evaluation, I was shocked with the tasks that I was finding difficult to do. As I am doing my daily lessons, I can see how I did compared to the last time I did it. To me, this program is invaluable! I am so grateful to have it. I can now do the lessons to keep my brain functioning, measure how I am doing and measure the rate at which my condition is worsening. I would recommend this program to anyone to keep their mind more fit as well as to anyone and everyone with any type of dementia or brain injury.” Sarah, Idaho
Click here to read more about MindFit and how it could help you keep mentally sharp.
System Requirements:
A PC system with the following features is needed for ensuring a stable performance:
- CPU Pentium III 1000 MHz or higher
- Operating system : Microsoft Windows ME,2000 SP4/XP SP2 , Vista
- RAM Memory: 256 MB (128 MB RAM minimum)
- CD-Rom Drive
- Sound card: PCI 128 bit; speakers or headphones
- Graphics card: 16 MB (support 3D graphics).
- Screen resolution: 800x600 minimum (16 bit min or more)
- Internet connection: Recommended
- Internet Explorer: Version 5.5 and up
- Free hard disc space : Typical installation: 500 MB free space Hard Disk Drive
- Compact installation: 100 MB free space Hard Disk Drive
- 2 user version also available (contact us for details)
Sorry, not compatible with Mac computers
£89.99
