You may be puzzled about the barrage of articles and scientific studies that appear in the media in the week, usually contradicting each other. Do supplements improve memory? Do you need both physical and mental exercise 'or is one of them enough? Which brain training approach, if any, is worth one's time and money? First of all, we need to debunk several popular myths on mental fitness and cognitive health. Once you understand the facts, not the myths, you will be able to make much better decisions on how to stay sharp. MYTH 1. Genes determine the fate of our brains. Facts: Lifelong neuroplasticity allows our lifestyles and actions to play a meaningful role in how our brains physically evolve, especially given longer life expectancy. MYTH 2. Aging means automatic decline. Facts: There is nothing inherently fixed in the precise trajectory of how brain functions evolve as we age. MYTH 3. Medication is the main hope for cognitive enhancement. Facts: Non-invasive interventions can have comparable and more durable effects, side effect-free. MYTH 4. We will soon have a Magic Pill or General Solution to solve all our cognitive challenges. Facts: Several lifestyle pillars are important, such as a balanced nutrition, managing stress, and doing regular physical and brain exercise. MYTH 5. There is only one "it" in "Use It or Lose it". Facts: The brain as a physical organ presents a variety of specialized units. Our quality of life and success really depends on several mental abilities, such as attention, memory, decision-making. MYTH 6. All brain activities or exercises are equal. Facts: Varied and targeted exercises are the necessary ingredients in brain training so that a wide range of brain functions can be stimulated. MYTH 7. There is only one way to train your brain. Facts: Brain functions can be impacted in a number of ways: through meditation, cognitive therapy, cognitive training. MYTH 8. We all have something called "Brain Age". Facts: Brain age is a fiction. No two individuals have the same brain or expression of brain functions. MYTH 9. That "brain age" can be reversed by 10, 20, 30 years. Facts: Brain training can improve specific brain functions, but, with research available today, cannot be said to roll back one's "brain age" by a number of years. MYTH 10. All human brains need the same brain training. Facts: As in physical fitness, users must ask themselves: What functions do I need to improve on? In what timeframe? What is my budget? Do you have other myths in mind you would like us to address? Copyright (c) 2009 SharpBrains
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