Quote: (03-03-2014 08:16 PM)clever alias Wrote:
these dont increase IQ. I think the over emphasis on IQ here is strange. these increase cognitive ability (lumosity does, at least). there is a benefit to them, but its not in raising IQ. things like learning languages and such are beneficial in that there.is evidence suggesting they prevent alzheimers. also, learning one language will not actually increase new language acquisition capacity
I agree for the most part. Although sometimes it is hard to separate 'IQ', 'cognitive ability', 'smartness', etc. But yeah, there are definitely things you can do to workout your brain so to speak (Lumosity, etc.) and improve your general cognitive functioning.
Also, the brain can change and develope new neural pathways even later in life if you challenge it in new ways. I think the key is forcing yourself to keep trying new thugs and allow your brain to grow and make connections across different disciplines.