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Posit Science Invited to Speak at Johns Hopkins University About Cutting Edge Cognitive Training Interventions

Posted on: Tuesday, 2 December 2008, 18:25 CST

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- At a symposium today hosted by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, Posit Science researchers presented the latest research in brain plasticity and how the company is translating the science into technology to improve lives. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D., and Laila Spina, Psy.D., presented evidence that cognitive intervention developed by Posit Science can facilitate neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself throughout life. This strengthening of the brain can have a positive impact on a wide variety of conditions from healthy aging to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to "Chemobrain."

Among the research cited by the Posit Science scientists was the IMPACT study, the largest study ever done on a commercially available cognitive training program. Led by scientists from Mayo Clinic and the University of Southern California, IMPACT studied the effects of doing the Brain Fitness Program on adults 65+. The program consists of 6 computer exercises designed to facilitate neuroplasticity and strengthen the brain, thereby improving memory and speed of processing. The study proved that mature adults can make statistically significant gains in these areas by doing this kind of brain training.

The researchers also cited a smaller study led by scientists from the University of California at San Francisco and the University of California at Davis that investigated the effects of the same training on people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). As many as 85% of patients with MCI go on to develop Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary data from the study indicate significant improvements in those who did the Brain Fitness program training while those who did not continued to decline.

Drs. Mahncke and Spina also shared research showing that training on the Brain Fitness Program helps cancer patients with the condition known as "Chemobrain." "Chemobrain" affects people's ability to concentrate, make decisions and fulfill family, career and community responsibilities. In the pilot study, Posit Science researchers studied the impact of training on the Brain Fitness Program on people with "Chemobrain." Study results showed that 94% of participants experienced positive changes in their overall wellbeing and reported statistically significant improvements in cognitive function, stress levels and health-related quality of life.

The meeting was attended by rehabilitation therapists, social workers as well as Johns Hopkins staff neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists.

Dr. Mahncke is Vice President of Research and Outcomes at Posit Science. Dr. Spina is a research neuropsychologist.

About Posit Science:

Posit Science is the leading provider of clinically validated brain fitness programs. The company works with more than 50 scientists from prestigious universities to design and test its computer-based programs. More than 30 published papers show that in randomized controlled trials the company's patented technologies significantly increase processing speed, improve memory and attention, and enhance the quality of everyday life. Posit Science has received grants from the National Institutes of Health and has received numerous awards and accolades. The company's products, scientists and science are currently featured in the PBS documentaries "The Brain Fitness Program" and "Brain Fitness 2: Sight and Sound." For more information, visit http://www.PositScience.com or call 1-866-599-6463.

SOURCE Posit Science Corporation

Source: PR Newswire

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