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To stay younger longer, keeping
your mind active may not be enough. Your brain may actually
need a workout. That's why a team of scientists has developed
a special brain fitness program. And it may bring you a
step closer to the elusive fountain of youth.
Neuroscientist
Michael Merzenich, Ph.D., says the brain is a learning machine,
and it demands to be engaged in new learning. So, he and
his team created the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program,
a series of exercises to stop and even reverse memory loss.
San Francisco - based Posit Science™ Corporation has been
developing and testing programs for the past three years
with the help of more than 50 brain scientists from leading
universities around the world. Posit Science bases its programs
on the principles of "neuroplasticity" - a growing body
of knowledge that demonstrates the human brain's ability
to adapt and physically change.
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Memory games
and quizzes require participants to match sounds. The exercises
get faster -- forcing the brain to process quicker, sometimes
as fast as a 30 year old! "The brain really can outlive
the body," Dr. Merzenich says.
"In a series
of controlled, blinded studies, involving hundreds of participants
aged 60-97, we have consistently seen strong results," said
Dr. Mahncke, vice president of research at Posit Science.
"Older brains are no less remarkable than young brains in
their ability to learn."
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To
get maximum benefit, doctors recommend people age
40 or older undergo 40, one-hour sessions of the
brain fitness program. Humana Inc. is partnering
with Posit Science to afford members the opportunity
to use this brain fitness program to
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keep
mentally sharp and alert as they age. Humana Medicare
members are already empowering themselves to stay
as healthy and fit as possible through Humana's
value-added programs that focus on wellness and
healthy lifestyles, as illustrated by the SilverSneakers®
Fitness Program. Now, they will also have the opportunity
to flex their mental muscles and include brain health
in their fitness regimen.
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Humana
Medicare members will soon be able to purchase a
brain fitness program that focuses on sharpening
memories, improving attention spans and enhancing
communication processes. The program will be marketed
under both the Humana and Posit Science name and
will consist of a series of easyto- use computer
exercises. Posit Science's patented programs run
on most laptops or personal computers with no need
to purchase special equipment.
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"Our
members have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm
to the health and wellness programs we offer through
our Medicare Advantage plans," said Gail Miller,
Humana's Vice President of Strategy and Product
Development, Senior Markets. "As a result of our
partnership with Posit Science, we will be able
to give our members even more opportunities to remain
engaged and active. Maintaining an active mind with
tools such as the brain fitness program will enable
older adults to continue to enjoy life experiences
to their fullest capacity. This is great news for
our members and their families."
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Dr.
Merzenich says learning a new language or a musical
instrument are other ways to keep the brain young.
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