Brain training can improve the attention, memory and processing speed problems of ADHD. Brain or cognitive training may also change the neurotransmitter functions in our ADHD brain for the better. The emerging field of brain plasticity has been studying the effects of brain training on the anatomy and physiology of our brain and has discovered some remarkable findings.
Cognitive training will not only make our ADHD brains function better, it will also fine tune our brains for better future functioning. Scientist used to report that we were born with only a limited number of brain cells and as we aged we lost more and more cells and the thought was that this cell loss led to eventual memory loss and dementia. What we now know is that the brain is just like the muscles in our bodies. You only lose brain function if you do not use your brain.
We are finding out that we must “use it or lose it” but that there are many ways to strengthen the connections and improve our ADHD and ADD brains. We know that cognitive training helps but we also know that doing puzzles, learning a new hobby, conversing with people, reading books or learning a new skill or language also helps.
There is not one good way to strengthen our brains, there are many ways. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and anaerobic exercises such as weigh lifting have also been found to help our brain function. Our memories function infinitely better if we have slept for at least 8 hours, the food we eat will affect how well we think and a diet rich in anti-oxidants is ideal for optimal brain functioning.