We Need a Global Consortium For Brain Fitness and Training Innovation

The World Economic Forum asked me to write "an 800 words summary of your most compelling actionable idea on the challenges of aging and gerontology", in preparation for the Inaugural Summit of the Global Agenda taking place November 7 to 9th in Dubai.

Here you have my proposal to create a Global Consortium for Brain Fitness and Training Innovation and help ensure that "No Brain is Left Behind":

I. The Context

- Growing Demands on Our Brains: Picture 6.7 billion Primitive Brains inhabiting a Knowledge Society where lifelong learning and mastering constant change in complex environments are critical for productive work, health and personal fulfillment.

Welcome to Planet Earth, 2008.

- Further stretched by increased longevity: Now picture close to 1 billion of those brains over the age of 60 - and please remember that, less than 100 years ago, life expectancy was between 30 to 40 years. The rapidly evolving Knowledge Society is placing new and enormous demands on our "primitive" human brains. And the longer our lifespans, the more obvious the "cognitive gap". Hence, from a health point of view, the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease and its precursor Mild Cognitive Impairment. And, from a workplace point of view, the perception that older workers can't learn new tricks, and are to be substituted by younger employees as soon as practical.

- Significance of lifelong neuroplasticity: The good news is that substantive brain research is showing how our brains retain lifelong neuroplasticity (the ability of our brains to rewire themselves responding to experience), how they can physically be strengthened -via the Cognitive/ Brain Reserve- and its functions enhanced, opening the way to slow-down if not reverse the cognitive decline that often comes with age. Use it and Improve It may be more accurate than Use It or Lose It, and help close the growing cognitive gap. Humans can become the gardeners of our own brains by focusing on four pillars: a balanced diet, cardiovascular physical exercise, stress management and brain exercise that incorporates well-directed novelty, variety and challenge.

- Cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology are ready to step up: a growing number of research-based frameworks and applications present clear mainstream opportunities, yet they are often misunderstood, since they are presented in fragmentary and confusing ways. Think about the potential for having an annual "mental check-up" that helps set up a baseline and identify appropriate interventions. Think about being able to pinpoint specific needs and enhance, in non-invasive ways, specific neurocognitive functions, such as visual and auditory processing speed, working memory, executive functions, emotional self-regulation, attention.

II. The Problem

- We need bridges: There seems to be multiple areas of disconnect between gerontology, preventive healthcare overall, cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. Innovative and collaborative partnerships will be required to transform the growing amount of mainstream interest and research findings into a rational, interdisciplinary, and sustainable approach to neurocognitive fitness.

- Growing confusion among consumers and professionals: there are no "magic pills" or "general solutions", but very useful tools when used appropriately. Better assessments, taxonomies and integrated research efforts are required for the field to mature. Some brain functions tend to improve as we age, whereas some tend to decline. For example, as executives tackle many difficult situations over time, we grow an "intuition" (or crystallized pattern-recognition) for best approaches. As long as the environment does not change too rapidly, we can continue to accumulate wisdom. But some areas of mental functioning typically decline. We usually see this in areas that test our capacity to learn and adapt to new environments, such as effortful problem-solving in novel situations, processing speed, working memory, and attention. Research has shown that all these areas can be enhanced in older brains. But the priorities are not the same for all individuals, or for all objectives (safer driving, preventing Alzheimer's symptoms, improving memory...) In summary, the field holds much promise, but the picture is complicated.

III. The Opportunity

- A Global Consortium for Brain Fitness and Training Innovation composed of 100 leading universities, policy-makers, healthcare/ insurance providers and developers of technology-based neurocognitive assessments and training tools can provide the taxonomy, guidance and structure required to guide applications of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology in gerontology and geriatrics -and healthcare overall.

Children and Dogs - Keeping Them Safe Through Education and Training

Some studies have shown that nearly half of all dog attacks in the United States involve children under the age of 12. Children of ages 5 through 9 seem to have the highest rate of dog bite related injuries with the rate decreasing as they age. Nearly two thirds of the injuries to children 4 years old and younger are to the head and neck area. Dog bite incidents seem to increase during the summer months when dogs and people spend more time outdoors.

Educating young children about the precautions they need to take around dogs can help keep them safe. In my home town, our one and only Animal Control Officer goes into our schools, along with a local dog trainer, and gives presentations to children about how to care for, treat, and respect dogs and other pets. Because of this, our rate of animal abuse carried out by children has declined dramatically.

Children can relate to and need guidance in their relationship with animals. Most dog bites to children can be avoided by teaching the kids some simple rules:

1. Never approach a strange dog without asking the owner if they can pet it. 2. Never approach a dog chained or tied up to anything. 3. Never look a strange dog in the eyes. 4. Never tease or otherwise annoy any dog. 5. Treat all dogs with respect, gentleness and caring. 6. Never try to take a toy or treat away from a dog. 7. Never approach a dog while it is eating.

Other precautionary steps parents can take are:

1. Teach your children to interpret body language of dogs. If you don't know and understand dogs' body language yourself, it would be wise to study up a little on it. Dogs communicate everything to us through their body language. It is very important to learn and understand the subtle signs of a dog that indicate stress, fear, happiness, patience, protection, submission, dominance, and calmness.

2. Never leave a young child alone with any dog, even a family dog you have trusted for years.

3. Do not allow any kind of animal abuse from tail pulling to more drastic situations. Animal abuse carried out by children can be a sign of deep-seated emotional problems that should be dealt with immediately. If not dealt with, this can lead to more aggressive abuse carried over to humans.

4. Teach your children to respect and humanely treat all animals. Teach them the importance of passing this on to their friends.

5. Tell your children if they ever see anyone hurting an animal they are to tell an adult whom they trust. It is not okay to hurt any animal in any situation.

Dog owners should also be held responsible for their dogs' actions. If they acquire the dog as a puppy, they should socialize it with all kinds of people young and old, people with hats, short and tall, and other dogs. Also, every dog should be trained either professionally or by the owner if they have dog training experience. Dogs should not be kept tied up and should always be on leash or under absolute control while in public. They should never be allowed to wander free on their own.

If you acquire an older dog from a rescue organization, it is even more important to get appropriate positive training, since most dogs are taken to a shelter because of behavioral problems. If your dog shows aggressive behavior, don't wait until it advances to the point of someone getting hurt. Seek out professional training at the first sign.

Children should never be victims of dog bites. If parents, dog owners, and children themselves could learn and practice these simple rules, there would be no need to consider banning breeds. Children would grow up to promote the humane and healthy treatment and respect of the animals God has given us for our companionship and unconditional love.