BrainTech: Six Take-aways on Neuroplasticity and Cognitive training

Israel’s first international BrainTech conference took place this week, on October 14 and 15th. It was organized by the Israel Brain technologies (IBT), a non-profit organization whose mission is to position Israel as a global brain technology and research center. The conference included talks representing multiple stakeholders in the neurotechnology sector worldwide – patients, clinicians, academic leaders, public officials, entrepreneurs and industry executives. An important session in the conference was the BrainBlitz — a roundtable session where different brain technology topics were discussed in smaller interest groups. Our table, devoted to Neuroplasticity and Cognitive training, was moderated by Prof. Hillik Levkovitz, head of daycare department and of the lab for research of emotions and cognition at Shalvata Mental Health Center, and by myself, as a neuroscientist and entrepreneur. It included a very heterogeneous group of people — molecular biologists, cognitive training entrepreneurs, clinicians (neurology, psychiatry), therapists (OT, speech), and some people with cognitive impairment. Here are some of the main take-aways from the rich discussion: Motivation seems to be critical in any form of neuroplasticity-based therapy. Motivation as a driver of repeated and intensive practice as well as motivation and reward as enhancers and modulators of neuroplasticity processes. The engaging and even addictive power of computer/video games was mentioned as pote...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neurologists Authors: Tags: Cognitive Neuroscience Health & Wellness Technology Brain-Plasticity braintech Cognitive-impairment Cognitive-Training Israel motivation neuroplasticity Neurotechnology Psychotherapy schizophrenia video-games Source Type: blogs