Dispelling the myths

of brain training

With the increase of brain training, people throw around many

‘facts’. The following list covers some of the more common state-

ments about brain training:

 ✓ You’re stuck with what you have. A long-held view is that

you’re born with what you have, and you can’t do anything

about it. For example, if you have a poor memory, then you’d

better carry a notebook to help you remember! However,

exciting developments in scientific research show that you

can train your brain. The brain has a certain plasticity – this

means that it can change (see Chapter 2 for more on brain

plasticity). Studies show that at any age you can do something

to make a difference.

 ✓ Your brain age declines as you get older. Here again, the

general view is that things get worse as you get older. But

recent evidence shows that this isn’t the case. In fact, I looked

at working memory in people from 5 to 85 years of age.

Working memory skills continue developing in the 20s and

peak in the 30s. And actually very little decline in working

memory skills occurs. Working memory in people in their 60s

looks like those in their 20s. So now you don’t have an excuse

for why you forgot to pick up milk on the way home!

 ✓ All brain training is the same. Unfortunately, this isn’t the

case. Many programmes claim to train your brain, but not all

the programmes work. Evaluating each programme to decide

whether evidence demonstrates that the programme is effec-

tive is important. Check to make sure that the magic three are

evident in a programme’s scientific trials (see the earlier sec-

tion ‘Providing a stimulating environment for the brain’).

 ✓ Only one way to train your brain exists. As Chapter 2 high-

lights, the brain has four main lobes and many key areas

involved in making your brain work like a smooth running

machine. No single thing makes a difference. Each chapter in

this book highlights a different strategy to keep your brain

active, from what you eat to how much you sleep, to what to

drink. Follow the tips to maximise your brain’s potential.