Does playing the brain/memory game really help? From: eTrue Blue - 08/10/2007 Computer and video programs claiming to "train your brain" are becoming more popular as baby boomers head into their golden years. However, not all of these programs have been shown to work, according to Cindy Lustig, a U-M assistant professor of psychology. "In most memory training programs, the people who likely need training the most - those 80 and older and people with lower initial ability - improve the least," Lustig said. Researchers suggest that in order to improve memory, one needs not only to work hard, but work smart. Their findings are published in the August issue of Psychological Science. Read the entire article at: http://alumni.umich.edu/wordpress/?p=138 Links: Cindy Lustig http://www.lsa.umich.edu/psych/people/directory/profiles/faculty/?uniquename=clustig http://www.umich.edu/%7Eneurosci/faculty/clustig.htm August Issue of Psychological Science http://www.psychologicalscience.org/journals/index.cfm?journal=ps&content=ps/18_8 Who Benefits From Memory Training? Cognitive training programs can have significant benefits. However, their efficacy is often reduced for individuals of advanced age or lower cognitive ability. Using older adult subjects, we examined the role of self-initiation of cognitive control in a training program that targets recollection memory. Relative time spent on an open-ended, intentional encoding task that requires the self-initiation of cognitive control was highly predictive of improvement in the training task, and fully accounted for individual differences related to age and crystallized intelligence. Analyzing training programs from the perspective of cognitive theory may help clarify how these programs have their effects and suggest ways to optimize such programs for the individuals who need them most. Research shows older brains rise to challenge http://www.umich.edu/~urecord/0506/Nov07_05/18.shtml http://www.agelesslearner.com/blog/?p=199 Older Brains Still Capable of Kicking into High Gear http://health.dailynewscentral.com/content/view/0001909/53/