To address this question, we interview today Dr. Elkhonon
Goldberg, one of the earliest proponents of the Brain
Fitness and Exercise field. He is a clinical professor of
neurology at New York University School of Medicine, and
author of The Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes and the
Civilized Mind and The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can
Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older.
Alvaro Fernandez (AF): We are witnessing the birth of a
whole new brain training industry. I understand that one of
the key foundations is the new neuroimaging techniques we
have today.
Elkhonon Goldberg (EG): Precisely. It is often said that
new neuroimaging methods have changed neuroscience in the
same way that the telescope changed astronomy. We use MRI,
PET, SPECT, fMRI and MEG. None of these techniques is
perfect, but used properly they provide us with a much
better understanding than we had only 30 years ago.
AF: Please tell us about your main research and practical
interests.
EG: As you can see in my papers and books, I will
categorize them in 3 areas-a) computer-based cognitive
training/ Brain Fitness overall, b) healthy cognitive
aging, and c) frontal lobes and executive functions.
First, Cognitive Training/ Brain Fitness. Rigorous and
targeted cognitive training has been used in clinical
practice for many years. It can help improve memory,
attention, confidence and competence, reasoning skills,
even how to reduce anxiety and deal with uncomfortable
situations.
Second, healthy cognitive aging. The brain evolves as we
age. Some areas, such as pattern recognition, get better
with age. Some require extra-workouts in order to reduce
"chinks in the armor" and increase neuroprotection through
the Cognitive Reserve. Hence, the need for targeted
cognitive training.
Third, the Frontal lobes and executive functions, which
permeate seemingly very different problems such as ADHD and
Alzheimer's, are critical for our identity and successful
daily functioning so they require extra attention.
AF: Please tell us more about what the Frontal Lobes are.
EG: We researchers typically call them the Executive Brain.
The prefrontal cortex is young by evolutionary terms, and
is the brain area critical to adapt to new situations, plan
for the future, and self-regulate our actions in order to
achieve long-term objectives. We could say that that part
of the brain, right behind our forehead, acts as the
conductor of an orchestra, directing and integrating the
work of other parts of the brain.
I provide a good example in The Executive Brain, where I
explain how I was able to organize my escape from Russia
into the US.
Significantly, the pathways that connect the frontal lobes
with the rest of the brain are slow to mature, reaching
full operational state between ages 18 and 30, or maybe
even later. And, given that they are not as hard-wired as
other parts of the brain, they are typically the first
areas to decline.
AF: And is that one of the areas where cognitive training/
Brain Fitness Programs can help.
EG: Yes. Most programs I have seen so far are better at
training other brain areas, which are also very important,
but we are getting there. Some of the spectacular research
and clinical findings of the last 20 years that remain to
be discovered by the population at large are that we enjoy
lifelong brain plasticity and neurogenesis, that the rate
of development of new neurons can be influenced by
cognitive activities, and that intense mental challenges
provide extra resistance to aging.
Exercising our brains systematically ways is as important
as exercising our bodies. In my experience, "Use it or lose
it" should really be "Use it and get more of it". And
computer-based programs are proving to be a great vehicle
for that "Use It".
AF: We have been talking mostly about cognition or
"thinking". What about the role of emotions, as shown by
the great research by Damasio?
EG: Great question. Until recently, emotions were simply
not relevant for many cognitive neuroscientists. That is
changing, and there is more and more research looking into
what makes us "uniquely human": attributes like motivation,
judgment, empathy, insight into others, emotional
self-regulation.
AF: how does that link into the role of art? Can we
consider art creation and appreciation as brain exercise?
EG: This is still open territory, but my personal opinion
is that art's main purpose is in fact exercising brains. I
wouldn't be surprised if piano lessons were shown to
improve overall sharpness and lucidity. Any activity
changes the brain, and systematic programs can be designed
to lead that change in a better way than random daily
activities. Learning a complex skill such as learning the
piano helps train and develop some parts of the brain.
Well-designed computer-programs help train and develop
other parts.
AF: Dr. Goldberg, many thanks for your time.
EG: My pleasure.
----------------------------------------------------
Alvaro Fernandez is the CEO and Co-Founder of SharpBrains,
which provides the latest science-based information for
Brain Exercise and Brain Health, and has been recognized by
Scientific American Mind, CBS, Forbes, and more. Alvaro
holds an MA in Education and MBA from Stanford University,
and teaches The Science of Brain Health at UC-Berkeley
Lifelong Learning Institute. Learn more at
http://www.sharpbrains.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment