Improving Brain Fitness and Health

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Science of the Brain: How the Mind Works

It may seem like the Internet has an overwhelming number of links but it’s really quite simple compared to the human brain, which has roughly 1,000 trillion connections—about the same as the number of leaves on all the trees in a rainforest. Use the Science of the Brain Web Guide to get a head start.

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The Brain and Neuroscience Basics

The U.S. government declared the 1990s the “Decade of the Brain,” and the amount and ... read more »

The Structure and Functions of the Brain

There is such a wealth of information on the Internet on the topics of neuroanatomy (brain ... read more »

Neuroscience and Brain Research

Although scientists are only beginning to scratch the surface, new technologies are helping to ... read more »

Neuroscience and Brain Blogs

There are numerous neuroscience and brain blogs on the Web, many of which ... read more »

Teaching Neuroscience and the Brain for Kids

More and more teachers—from elementary to college level—are posting their curricula ... read more »

Improving Brain Fitness and Health

With life expectancy on the rise, it’s becoming increasingly important to preserve cognitive functioning so that we can remain active, vibrant and mentally sharp in our golden years. Experts now believe that well-directed mental exercise is a must for cognitive enhancement and healthy aging. Use the sites below to find information on improving brain fitness and brain health.

Insights for Improving Brain Fitness and Health

Most Web sites contain a glossary of relevant terms, but one word that is of particular significance with respect to brain fitness is “plasticity.” Brain plasticity (also known as neuroplasticity) refers to the brain’s ability to change with learning.

Many books have been written about brain plasticity. Two excellent choices are "The Brain That Changes Itself" by Dr. Norman Doidge and "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" by Sharon Begley.

Top Sites for Improving Brain Fitness and Health

To learn about brain plasticity…

Neuroscience for Kids presents “Brain Plasticity: What Is It?” a concise overview of brain plasticity. Learn neuroscientific terms that are presented in a way that can be understood by laymen and children. Read an overview of brain plasticity, facts about neuroplasticity, how plasticity develops and changes as the brain ages, and how plasticity affects learning and memory.

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PositScience presents an easy-to-understand article on brain plasticity and cognition that stresses the importance of brain “exercise” in improving learning, memory and concentration. Take advantage of the site’s brain fitness tests and tips, as well as countless links to brain plasticity and fitness breakthroughs and news.

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For brain exercises …

SharpBrains has a variety of resources on brain vitality and health, separated into easy-to-navigate categories. Find information about brain nutrition and physical and mental exercises that improve cognition and memory, or read blogs, articles and newsletters. Software, books and other educational resources are also available for purchase.

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PositScience is straightforward, fun and easy to navigate. Find a wealth of valuable information about the brain and associated disorders, as well as tests, games, puzzles and exercises all aimed at optimizing brain fitness.

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ThirdAge is a somewhat busy site, with tarticle sandwiched between advertisements and links. But reading the information here is time well spent. Look for brain fitness games, news on brain aging, tips to keep your brain healthy, recommended brain foods and more.

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