We know that physical activity is one of the great health recommendations, which must be taken into account to prevent diseases. However, the brain also requires some care. Hence, cognitive training becomes a tool to prevent some type of deficiency and improve brain plasticity.
Especially because these techniques, actions and strategies are focused on stimulating and improving the cognitive functions of both young children and adults. However, infants in the middle of the learning process, with this method potentiate their abilities and capacities in different disciplines.
Similarly, older adults manage to stimulate neural functions, through sensory stimuli, logic problems and abstraction. Which leads to slowing down cellular aging and the appearance of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, the possibility of living more years in an active, lucid and happy way is increased.
Cognitive training as a health strategy
The human brain controls the movements of our body, provides understanding capacity and sends a response based on the information given by the senses. So we need to do a little more to bring it to its fullest potential. Hence, cognitive training seeks to change brain plasticity, improving brain functions.
- Thus, as one of the main benefits of, is to improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, logical rationing and the speed of information processing. Seeking, in children, to increase capacities and promote development. Meanwhile, in older adults, it is intended to compensate for the decrease in capacities, stimulate learning and promote independence and socialization.1
- Similarly, when shared games are used, as part of cognitive training, self-esteem is increased and the individual’s resilience capacity is stimulated. In addition, satisfaction levels are increased, allowing feelings of anguish, loneliness, limitation and uncertainty to be removed. Likewise, personal motivation is increased, inviting you to take care of yourself and adapt healthy habits for life. 2
- At the same time, it is possible to stimulate the planning capacity, leading the individual to be able to make decisions, act assertively and accept reality. Above all, because over time these executive functions are altered by myelination, the deterioration of brain plasticity and the loss of neuronal connections.3
Increasing brain capacity
We can see that cognitive training improves brain health and favors its functions. In fact, it has been considered to challenge yourself, change routines, read, play, and learn. At the same time, living new experiences, traveling and taking advantage of alternative therapies are great tools that benefit physical and mental health.
Hence, filling sudokus, word search or crossword puzzles, improve mental capacity. In addition, technology today offers many mobile applications that can be used on various devices. Where a wide range of cognitive functions are worked, among which we find perception, orientation, praxis, reasoning and learning.
References:
1.Sara Villalba Agustín, Raúl Espert Tortajada. Cognitive stimulation: A neuropsychological review. Therapy [internet] 2014 [ consultado 7 jul 2021]: 73-93. Available in:
file: /// C: /Users/Usuario/Downloads/Dialnet-EstimulacionCognitivaUnaRevisionNeuropsicologica-5149523.pdf.
2.Galán-López IG, Lascarez-Martínez S, Gómez-Tello MF, et al. Comprehensive approach in neurodevelopmental disorders. Rev. Hosp Jua Mex. 2017; 84 (1): 19-25. Available in:
https://www.medigraphic.com/cgi-bin/new/resumen.cgi?IDARTICULO=72273.
3.Mogollón González, Eddy de Jesús. A proposal for cognitive improvement in the elderly: An alternative to brain training. Educare Electronic Magazine[internet] 2014 [consultado 7 jul 2021]; 18 (2), 01-17. Available in: http://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1409-42582014000200001&lng=en&tlng=es.