Apples for Health- Expert warns against memory training hype

Expert warns against memory training hype

MONTREAL, March 11 (UPI) -- Some memory products aimed at baby boomers to help them maintain memory can be helpful, but a Canadian researcher warns against unrealistic expectations.

Sylvie Belleville, a professor at the Universite de Montreal and associate research director of the Institut universitaire de geriatrie de Montreal said that loss of thinking power is a fear shared by many aging baby boomers.

"That fear has resulted in a budding industry for brain training products -- exercises such as Brain Age, Mindfit and My Brain Trainer -- which in 2007 generated $80 million in the United States alone," Belleville said in a statement.

"Some companies like Brain Center International, which produces NeuroActive, promise regular users they'll shave 10 years of brain aging after eight weeks of use."

The principles of intellectual stimulation aren't false, but their efficiency haven't been scientifically proven. She argues that Sudoku and crosswords could work just as well.

"To my knowledge, there is no scientific research demonstrating results from such recreational programs," Belleville added.

There are programs that that have been proven to benefit seniors and Alzheimer's victims, Belleville said.

"These programs are based on memory strategies. They have nothing to do with the repetitive exercises offered by NeuroActive and others," she added.