The difference is enormous. A "scientifically validated" program has had its
effectiveness verified by clinical trials. Extensive periods of research
and development have gone into the design of these products. Part of the
R&D involves fMRI
(functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) that
enables researchers to see images of changing blood flow in the brain
associated with neural activity. This allows images to be generated
that reflect which structures are activated (and how) during the performance
of different tasks. Armed with this knowledge, neuroscientists are able to
build an exercise program that ensures that all parts of your brain
are getting a full workout. The ability to exercise all sections
of the brain, and thus achieve a better connected brain, is one of the key
advantages that scientifically validated cognitive software training programs have over
other forms of exercise that improve cognition, e.g. reading books,
Sudoku, computer games, physical exercise etc. Another key advantage that software programs have over traditional
forms of cognitive exercise is the ability and accuracy with which
they can continuously adapt to the users threshold
of ability.
The best scientifically validated cognitive
software programs also have assessment exercises -
separate from the training exercises - that tailor the user's
training schedule so that the areas of the brain being exercised are
the
sections that need it most! It is important that the assessment
exercises are
separated from the training exercises as this ensures the assessment
feedback is showing genuine changes in the levels of cognitive
functioning,
without any possible distortion created because of the user's
increasing
familiarity with the training exercises themselves.
Whereas with "scientifically based" cognitive training software the quality/degree
of actual science that has been involved in the research & development of
the program can vary alarmingly. Without validation there is no conclusive
proof that you are getting a thorough brain workout.
With many of the scientifically based programs the reporting feedback is based on the
users improvement in performance of the training exercises, a method which is prone to
distortion. The lack of an appropriate benchmarking platform can produce
potentially misleading results in terms of the users genuine level of
cognitive abilities. It leaves open the possibility that a reported
improvement in the users cognitive abilities is actually just an
increasing familiarity with the exercises involved.
Manufacturers of scientifically based games often attempt to mimic the look &
feel of the scientifically validated cognitive training software programs,
but don't be fooled, you get what you pay for! A scientifically
based program may provide you with entertainment that looks similar to the higher quality programs, but not necessarily be
providing you with significantly better brain functioning.
John F.Kennedy described the human mind as “our most fundamental resource” Aristotle
stated that “the energy of the mind is the essence of life”. Given how critical
your brain health is to your overall quality of life Navon's policy is that we only stock world's best practice programs that are clinically proven by independent 3rd party research to significantly improve cognitive functioning.