Cognitive training supported by information and communication technologies

Over the last years there has been witnessed a significant interest, as well as concern, about brain fitness and cognitive training. Not long ago, scientists and experts believed that the human brain was like a sealed box - a physiologically static organ - relatively immutable after the critical period of early childhood. However, this belief has been recently challenged as studies have indicated that the human brain has a so-called “plasticity” (either brain plasticity or neuroplasticity). More explicitly, the brain is capable of creating new neurons and connections between them, or modifying the existing ones. A consequence of neuroplasticity is that brain functions associated with specific processes can move to a different location, provided that the current ones are not able to function properly. This means that damaged areas in the brain, can be reformed - or even bypassed - and brain functions can be applied in other areas. Cognitive training reflects this theory and supports that cognitive functionality and skills may be improved by exercising the human brain through specific exercises that train respective brain functions. Cognitive training can be performed in both adults, especially in older people, who tend to lose their cognitive skills with aging (possible occurrences of dementia, Alzheimer´s etc.), and even children with cognitive deficits (Attention Deficit Disorder, hyperactivity or learning difficulties). Moreover, it is performed in structured and well-designed intervention programs and consists of properly structured exercises aimed to improve, maintain or restore mental function [15]. Although there is strong evidence that cognitive training is beneficial and helps people improve their skills, there is not scientific support for electronic forms of exercises and computer based training.