Alex Ram

For children, learning happens effortlessly. By six years of age, children know over ten thousand words and learn dozens of new words on a daily basis. By contrast, learning a new language as an adult can be hard going. This curious and dramatic difference between the child and the adult brain is so familiar that we don't even question it. But the mechanism and reason for the difference provides a powerful way for us to increase our adult mental abilities.During the critical period of childhood learning, a child's brain produces large quantities of a protein known as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This process triggers the nucleus basalis (the brain's attention center), keeping the brain constantly ready to absorb new memories and skills. Children pay attention to everything... well, almost everything.In late adolescence the body produces a lot more BDNF, so much more that it turns off the brain's attention center. This shutting down effortless learning and constant attention is very important; without it we would be forever swamped by new details finding it hard to choose between long term goals and short term distractions.But scientists have recently shown that the default "off" mode of the adult brain's attention center doesn't mean that we're resigned to a static brain, or, worse yet, a long, inevitable mental decline. As adults we can reactivate the learning center by engaging in activities that requires focus and attention. When these activities also produce a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction, we have the ingredients for neurogenesis and brain plasticity.Intense focus at a challenging task results in neurogenesis (new nerve cell growth) and neuroplasticity (rewiring of brain structure). If we activate these processes while training core brain functions (e.g., processing speed, memory, and problem-solving ability) we can strengthen and improve our mental ability.The Three Pillars of Brain Training1. FocusWhen we apply focus and attention the nucleus basalis releases a substance called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine tells the brain's memory center to pay attention so that we will hold on to the memories being formed.2. RewardTackling a mental challenge that yields a sense of satisfaction or reward causes the brain to produce a second substance crucial to plastic change called dopamine.3. Targeted Mental ExerciseTogether these two brain chemicals stimulate the growth of new nerve cells, and produce conditions under which the brain can grow and change. If this mental condition is accompanied by an exercise that strengthens and improves core functions, we end up with lasting improvements in our mental ability.Brain Training In Everyday LifeThere are many activities that stimulate neural growth and help us stay mentally fit - studying a new language, tackling puzzles and brain teasers, learning a new skill - but while these are relevant and worthy pursuits, they're not as targeted and effective as a carefully designed and scientifically tested brain training exercise.The right brain training software can strengthen core brain functions in a highly efficient, measurable and predictable way. This brings a slew of possibilities: Brain training is being used today for correcting learning dysfunctions, reversing the adverse effects of aging, helping to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms or dementia, improving academic success, and for plain old self-improvement. Some training programs can even produce measurable increases in fluid intelligence or problem-solving ability - until recently believed to be impossible.Brain training is relatively new, with such untested products on the market it's hard to know which ones will achieve the desired results. This presents us with the challenge of first identifying which product is right for us. They range in cost from less than fifty dollars to several hundred dollars, and the variance in efficacy is, if anything, even greater. (Some brain training programs are both affordable and effective.)Before purchasing a brain training program, check the scientific pedigree of the training exercises it incorporates. Does the vendor spell out specifically what the training will accomplish, providing measurable gains in memory or processing ability? And does the product come with a training schedule, telling you how much time you should devote to the exercises and over what period you should train?And finally, we should remember that the critical ingredients for plastic change are focus and challenge. Just as we don't expect to stay physically fit without breaking a sweat, a truly effective brain training program requires our attention and effort. The rewards, however, can be worth every ounce of that investment.Oxford-trained scientist, author, and technologist, Martin G. Walker is a member of The British Neuroscience Association, Learning and The Brain, and MENSA. His company Mind Sparke publishes free information on the field of neuroscience and brain training as well as effective and affordable brain training software.