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CogniFit, Ltd.
Results Announced Today at Eighth International Alzheimer's Disease/Parkinson's Disease Conference in Salzburg, Austria
NEW YORK and YOQNEAM, Israel, March 16 -- For the first time, a double-blind clinical trial has shown that computer-based training improves the cognitive functions of the 50-plus crowd.
Against conventional wisdom, the computer training in MindFit(TM) cognitive skill assessment and training software, created by CogniFit, Ltd. (www.cognifit.com), was found to improve short-term memory, spatial relations and attention focus--all skills used in driving and other daily activities that maintain our independence as we age.
The trial was conducted at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center of Tel-Aviv University in Israel, where researchers are taking a leading role in the study of age-related disorders. During the two-year clinical trial, doctors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study with active comparators of 121 self-referred volunteer participants age 50 and older. Each study participant was randomly assigned to spend 30 minutes, three times a week during the course of three months at home, using either MindFit or sophisticated computer games.
While all study participants benefited from the use of computer games, MindFit users experienced greater improvement in the cognitive domains of spatial short term memory, visuo-spatial learning and focused attention. Additionally, MindFit users in the study with lower baseline cognitive performance gained more than those with normal cognition, showing the potential therapeutic effect of home-based computer training software in those already suffering the effects of aging or more serious diseases.
"These research findings show unequivocally that MindFit, which requires no previous computer experience of users, keeps minds sharper than other computer games and software can," said Prof. Shlomo Breznitz, Ph.D., founder and president of CogniFit. "In fact, the same cognitive domains that MindFit keeps sharp are also central in most daily activities-including driving-that enable aging independently."
Breznitz continued, "These findings support CogniFit's belief that if you exercise your brain just as you do your muscles, you can build the speed and accuracy of your mental functions, significantly. 'Working out' with MindFit three times a week from the comfort of your home will yield similar results for your brain as exercising at the gym with that same frequency does for your muscles."
"We are additionally encouraged by the implications of our findings for those already below baseline in cognitive performance," said Nir Giladi, M.D., principal investigator, senior neurologist for the Department of Neurology for Tel-Aviv University's Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and faculty member in Tel-Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine. "In the future, we may research MindFit's effect on Alzheimer's disease and forms of dementia."
MindFit software helps to assess and build overall cognitive skills for baby boomers, seniors and people of all ages. In other research studies, MindFit has helped users to improve their short-term memory by 18 percent. The comprehensive cognitive training program assesses, trains and enhances cognitive skills--including memory, focus, learning and concentration--and safeguards overall cognitive vitality, an overall concept patented by CogniFit. After an initial assessment session, users are encouraged to train with the software on their home PCs three times a week for 20 minutes a day. Then, MindFit provides fun, individualized training to match users' unique cognitive skill sets, changing exercises and levels to suit each individual's unique needs. No other cognitive assessment or training software product on the market has that personally tailoring technology.
Earlier in March, MindFit was recognized with a 2007 American Society on Aging Business and Aging Award.
Researchers announced their findings in Salzburg, Austria at the Eighth International Conference AD/PD 2007, "Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease: Progress and New Perspectives," which will be held in Salzburg, Austria on Friday, March 16.
For more information about MindFit and other CogniFit products, visit www.cognifit.com or call 866-993-7312. To order MindFit online, visit www.e-mindfitness.com.
About Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (http://www.tasmc.org.il/e/) is Israel's second largest hospital, serving the Tel-Aviv metropolitan area. Founded in 1963 as a 1-building facility, The Tel Aviv Medical Center is now spread-out over an area of 150,000 meters and incorporates three hospitals: the Ichilov General Hospital and Ida Sourasky Rehabilitation Center, the Lis Maternity Hospital, and the Dana Children's Hospital. The Tel Aviv Medical Center also serves as an instructional and research center affiliated with the Sackler Medical School and the Sheinborn Nursing School of Tel Aviv University.
About CogniFit, Ltd.
CogniFit (www.cognifit.com) is a pioneer in the assessment and training of human cognitive abilities. The company focuses on developing advanced software tools for consumers and businesses that assess and enhance basic cognitive skills such as memory, perception and attention. Its initial award-winning product offerings are DriveFit and MindFit. DriveFit is a suite of programs aimed at helping to assess and build the cognitive, psychomotor and personality skills needed by novice, senior and fleet drivers. The MindFit family of products helps to assess and build overall cognitive skills for Baby Boomers, seniors and people of all ages.
The company was founded in 1999 by Prof. Shlomo Breznitz, Ph.D., international psychology authority and founding director of the Center for Study of Psychological Stress at the University of Haifa.
Source: CogniFit, Ltd.
CONTACT:
Lewis Goldberg
+1-212-896-1216
lgoldberg@kcsa.com
Shelley Pfaendler
+1-212-896-1248
spfaendler@kcsa.com
both of KCSA Worldwide
for CogniFit, Ltd.
Web site: http://www.cognifit.com/
http://www.e-mindfitness.com/
http://www.kcsa.com/
Prof. Shlomo Breznitz and Dr. Nir Giladi are both available to discuss the study and it's findings.
Contacts:
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