Treatment options for cognitive decline prevention and treatment

The stakes are high. Research clearly shows gradual mental decline with aging, affecting:

  • memory
  • thinking skills
  • concentration
  • problem solving

But research also shows that you can stay sharp as you age. A rapidly growing number of studies in the neuroscience of brain aging are showing us new methods and techniques to help you maintain your mental fitness as you age. Cognitive decline prevention is coming into prominence.

At the NeuroDevelopment Center, we are devoted to helping you maintain your mental fitness as you age.  Our staff professionals comb the cutting edge of this science to uncover new knowledge and techniques to help you get sharp and stay sharp. Everyday, new studies are published that point the way toward cognitive decline prevention. We find them and translate the complexities of advanced brain science into practical approaches you can use to stay sharp.

The research is increasingly clear: mental fitness protects you from the effects of age related cognitive decline and from the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Mental fitness is a form of cognitive decline prevention.

Choose from these options to prevent or treat age related decline:

Cogmed working memory training

Cogmed working memory training is a research-supported way to increase concentration and improve working memory. With this online brain training program, there are a series of engaging working memory games and challenges. The challenges, like most popular videogames, get progressively harder as your skills improve. Cogmed Working Memory Training provides scientifically designed working memory exercise and practice. Just like physical exercise, it leads to improved skill and capacity. Repeated studies show lasting gains. Learn more.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback is a research supported way to train the brain to function better. Advanced neuroscience has shown that feedback-guided brain training can result in measurable change in brain networks. With neurofeedback, you can activate and exercise brain networks devoted to memory, attention, and problem solving. Early research is showing improved mental function and even some benefit for Alzheimer’s disease.  Learn more.

Save your memory cells from destruction with HRV Biofeedback

heart rate variabilityStress contributes to mental decline. The stress hormone cortisol destroys memory neurons. Research shows that heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback is an effective way to reduce stress.

Your heart beat is a great “stress-o-meter”. When you are stressed or “revved up” or in a negative emotional state, and your nervous system arousal is high, your heart beats in lockstep. The amount of time between heart beats changes very little. When you are calm and stable, and nervous system arousal is lower, the beat to beat interval becomes more flexible.

HRV biofeedback training provides an easy and very concrete way to learn how to reshape these heart rate rhythms for increased calm and stability. A simple sensor on your ear or finger picks up your heart beat. The computer analyzes the interval between heart beats. During HRV biofeedback sessions we will help you learn to relax your muscles and your mind, and learn to slow and regulate your breathing. As you learn, your heart rate variability will increase. The image above shows a session in progress, with the more regular signal on the right half of the top section showing increased HRV. Once you learn the techniques in sessions in our office, you can also use inexpensive software at home to build your ability to recognize when you are bothered and rapidly regain your calm.

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Do you have questions about cognitive decline prevention and treatment? Contact us to schedule an initial visit.

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