http://sharpbrains.com/blog/2013/10/18/braintech-six-take-aways-on-neuroplasticity-and-cognitive-training/
Notice the word protocols in #2. What and where the hell are they? Send your doctor off immediately to find them.
Here are some of the main take-aways from the rich discussion:
- Motivation seems to be critical in any form of neuroplasticity-based therapy. Motivation as a driver of repeated and intensive practice as well as motivation and reward as enhancers and modulators of neuroplasticity processes. The engaging and even addictive power of computer/video games was mentioned as potentially beneficial driver of motivation for cognitive training. For example, in rehabilitation cases where motivational processes are often impaired, treating and training motivational circuits may be the first priority as a gateway to training of other functions.
- Brain plasticity may go both ways, thus cognitive training can even be detrimental if it is not designed and performed correctly. Therefore people developing and using cognitive methods should be cautious and keep assessing the effect of their protocols on a regular basis, and make sure that cognitive training is personally adapted on a dynamics level.
- There are significant gaps in the “supply chain” process of translating scientific findings into valuable solutions, especially regarding clinically validated cognitive training. We still see many challenges in transforming research into clinical methods, and in making sure clinical therapies translate into real-life improvements. The example of schizophrenia was discussed in depth, highlighting the difficulty to transfer psychotherapy, occupational therapy and cognitive training benefits into improvement in daily life.
- We see potential value in new technologies such as 3D motion sensors that enable natural interaction (Primesense/Kincet), affordable VR solutions, and augmented reality solutions (Google Glass). They can help upgrade cognitive training by making it more similar to real-life form of interaction and environmental context.
- Rehabilitation processes that involve recruitment of new brain areas may benefit in the future from the possibility of implanting cortex tissue and rewiring it by training it to implement impaired/new cognitive functions.
- Finally, it is important to start defining guidelines for ethical issues, such as affordability and access to cognitive training by some populations and not others.
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