There was recently an article in New York Times magazine on brain fitness tools. Below is my response to the authors. Though there are many brain training programs with little to no research data, we at ADD Health and Wellness we have been successfully using the Cogmed program on training working memory skills and attention. The Cogmed program does have significant research support in addition to the positive feedback from thousands of clients. Feel free to give us a call with questions on Cogmed and the proven benefits of brain training.

Theresa Cerulli, M.D.
Neuropsychiatrist

Dear Editor,
I’d like to applaud Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang for throwing some cold water on the current brain fitness craze in last week’s Opinion Editorial “Exercise on the Brain.” They are correct in labeling the host of “mental fitness” products that target aging baby boomers as “inspired by science — not to be confused with actually proven by science.”
For the last 30 years, terms like “brain plasticity” have been widely and casually used, creating hype that risks drowning out the real breakthroughs that brain researchers are making in this area. 
It is important to distinguish the “mental fitness” trend that Aamodt and Wang rightly criticize from actual researched-based cognitive training. Unlike “mental fitness” programs, cognitive training programs focus very narrowly on specific cognitive functions that research has shown to be plastic. This is in stark contrast to compiling a smattering of exercises or activities that are generally thought to be good for the brain, but lack true scientific research and are ultimately ineffective. Cognitive training does not claim to be for everyone—only those who experience deficits in specific cognitive functions that can be improved through persistent training. A qualified clinical professional can determine if and when cognitive training is the right form of intervention.
One type of cognitive training that has proven to be effective is the training of working memory—the ability to hold information in mind for a few seconds. As Aamodt and Wang point out, working memory is a critical component of executive function, a collection of cognitive skills that together allow us to organize, manage and prioritize activities. Training working memory offers more than just improvements in the trained task. Other brain functions such as attention, reading, and problem solving skills also improve with working memory training. (Important research on the effectiveness of working memory training to improve attention and executive functioning was published in Aamondt’s Nature Neuroscience).
In my clinical practice, I have had the pleasure of observing the often dramatic impact of working memory training on the daily lives of many of my patients who struggle with debilitating attention problems. Working memory training is a research-based breakthrough for children and adults with attention deficits, as well as victims of stroke and traumatic brain injury. For clients with executive functioning challenges, working memory training targets these very difficulties which medications so often fail to treat.
Baby boomers need to remain cautious when it comes to the fountain-of-youth promises of the brain fitness programs. The key lies in drawing a clear line between the “mental fitness” fad and proven cognitive training that has been validated repeatedly in the laboratory and in clinical practice.

Gravity machines have found a niche at the YMCA.  Gravity machines are essentially slanted glideboards. The $17.6 billion health club industry is always open to something new. The YMCA is one of roughly 30 health clubs in the United States to add Gravity machines since the start of the year. It’s not clear if this relatively new device will lead to a hot new trend like Spinning, a popular indoor cycling program, but so far it offers a glimpse into an industry always looking to entice exercisers with new ways to stay tone and trim. Gyms are always looking for ways to make exercise more effective and fun and have come a long way since the low-tech days of Indian clubs and medicine balls. Rudimentary machines like the motorized belts that jiggled users’ bellies have given way to sophisticated machines that keep tabs on cardiovascular activity and simulated distance.

According to recent research, exercise can indeed help you grow brain cells! This is an incredible break-through for science. Traditional teaching in medicine was that once we lose brains cells we do not replace them. Now new human research published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences shows even 3 months of aerobic exercise results in sprouting new neurons in your brain, particularly areas involved in memory and learning. Being active may actually prevent Alzhiemers, ADHD, or other cognitive disorders, in addition to improving mood and sleep, decreasing anxiety, increasing self esteem, and enhancing resiliency. There is no better medicine. So get moving to build your muscles and your IQ.
Check out the cover story of the March 26th issue of Newsweek (available March 19th in newstands) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17662246/site/newsweek/

Sports can be a wonderful tool for teaching focus in ADHD. In addition to exercise being a natural stimulant, sports provide the external structure so critical in managing ADHD symptoms. In this article, two time senior state wrestling champion, Kevin Hardy, describes how he overcame ADHD on the wrestling mat. Kevin’s assistant coach reports “The sport has done wonders for him … setting goals, learning how to work hard, making friends,” Thompson said. “It’s been huge for him.” Read Kevin’s story of how sports and exercise help people with ADHD learn to concentrate and stay in the moment. http://www.columbusdispatch.com/prep/preps.php?hstory=dispatch/2007/03/03/20070303-E1-00.html

It is nice to see ADHD success stories in the media. All too often only negative information is considered newsworthy. I wanted to share this article on Ia Falo, ‘the poster child for heart and courage’, who is channelling his ADHD into a winning athletic career. Thank you to Mr. Falo for inspiring us, and to the author, Chadd Cripe, for offering a truly newsworthy story.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/104/story/60349.html

My hope is that these guidelines will eventually address children’s physical activity requirements. If so, this could help us win the battle against ADHD children missing recess during the school day. Perhaps this is one small step in the right direction……

Associated Press - October 26, 2006
WASHINGTON - There’s a food pyramid to help guide people’s eating habits, so why not one for exercise? The Bush administration said Thursday it would develop guidelines for physical activity.

When the guidelines are ready in late 2008, federal health officials hope they will help people live healthier lifestyles, which in turn, could slow soaring health care costs.

“Obesity is an epidemic, and chronic disease inevitably follows. It has become a major quiet killer,” said Mike Leavitt, the health and human services secretary.

More than half of adults in the United States do not get enough of the kind of physical activity that actually benefits them. One-quarter are not active at all in their leisure time. Overall, more than 60 million adults are obese, Leavitt said.

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