By Paddy Kamen, Publisher, BetterBrainBetterLife.com
A woman named Maria (a pseudonym as she can’t afford to have her personal life revealed on line for professional reasons) found me online recently and sent me an email asking questions about brain training, for herself and her son. We have enjoyed a lively correspondence, which may interest you.
I recommended that Maria try Mind Alive’s David Delight Pro (DDP), which is the daily go-to brain-training device in our house. It has been exciting to hear the feedback.
A woman named Maria (a pseudonym as she can’t afford to have her personal life revealed on line for professional reasons) found me online recently and sent me an email asking questions about brain training, for herself and her son. We have enjoyed a lively correspondence, which may interest you.
I recommended that Maria try Mind Alive’s David Delight Pro (DDP), which is the daily go-to brain-training device in our house. It has been exciting to hear the feedback.
Maria’s son, Chad, is 26. He is recovering from substance abuse problems and has recently started a three-day-a-week rehab program in preparation for a six-month residential program. “The DDP gave Chad a big boost,” writes Maria. “I noticed even after the first session that he looks like a different person. His eyes and face were brighter, and he seemed as if he had gained 10 IQ points. Chad is like a different person – so much happier! He says he feels calm but alert and able to focus without the effort it used to take him. He has told me several times that he is getting great results from the DDP.”
As for Maria’s brain health, she says: “I can’t decide whether I have ADD, or a bit of a sleep disorder. I also had a serious concussion as a small child, so that may be the root of the problem. Sleep apnea runs in my family, and I’ve been to my doctor, who has referred me for testing. I don’t fit the usual profile of someone with sleep apnea, so it could be neurologically based. I don’t have insomnia, but even with 8-9 hours sleep, I start getting fatigued often at mid-day. However, Dave Siever (developer of the DDP and president of Mind Alive) says daytime fatigue is also associated with ADD. I can focus on certain challenging tasks or activities, but housework or a pile of paperwork on my desk can feel overwhelming. It seems to take an inordinate amount of effort to stay on top of many different tasks in running a household, being self-employed, trying to maintain my meditation and yoga practices, and obligations to family and friends. When I think of all these things as I write this, I don’t have the feeling of overwhelm I typically have. I am actually looking forward to work tomorrow.
As for Maria’s brain health, she says: “I can’t decide whether I have ADD, or a bit of a sleep disorder. I also had a serious concussion as a small child, so that may be the root of the problem. Sleep apnea runs in my family, and I’ve been to my doctor, who has referred me for testing. I don’t fit the usual profile of someone with sleep apnea, so it could be neurologically based. I don’t have insomnia, but even with 8-9 hours sleep, I start getting fatigued often at mid-day. However, Dave Siever (developer of the DDP and president of Mind Alive) says daytime fatigue is also associated with ADD. I can focus on certain challenging tasks or activities, but housework or a pile of paperwork on my desk can feel overwhelming. It seems to take an inordinate amount of effort to stay on top of many different tasks in running a household, being self-employed, trying to maintain my meditation and yoga practices, and obligations to family and friends. When I think of all these things as I write this, I don’t have the feeling of overwhelm I typically have. I am actually looking forward to work tomorrow.
“I mentioned that I am trying a small dose (100 mg) of modafinil (Alertec), which has been great for eliminating the daytime fatigue. My focus also improved but not executive functioning, which is a big part of ADD. What I am noticing with the DDP is a big improvement in executive functioning coupled with a profound sense of clear-headedness. I had an exceptionally productive week at work, more than doubling what I typically accomplish, while feeling much less stress. I realize that I have been using a lot of coping strategies to get things done, but it is tiring! There is no doubt that the device is alleviating my ADD symptoms, much more effectively than my meditation practice.
“I know there is some skepticism whether brain training can translate into improved cognitive function but I am convinced that it definitely has in my case. My capacity for sustained focus has never been close to what it is now, even with thousands of hours of mindfulness meditation.
“I don’t understand why the benefits of AVE are not widely known, especially in industry, in universities and clinics, but it still amazes me that more parents seeking a non-drug treatment, aren’t shouting about the benefits of AVE (audio-visual brain entrainment as is offered in the DDP from Mind Alive) all over the forums and blogosphere? Also, those college kids taking Adderall and Strattera would be better off using this. Why aren’t colleges offering this to students for free in study lounges, for heaven’s sake! I just watched my very bright daughter graduate after four stressful years of college (the Juilliard School), and I think this device would have made it a nicer experience for her.”
Maria’s comments highlight how complex we are, and draw my attention to the necessity for experimentation within safe bounds, plus a multi-factoral approach to improving cognition, executive function, stress response, and so on. Nutrition is not to be ignored. Brain training with the DDP helps in a lot of cases, mine included. I wouldn’t be without it, which is why I represent it on this site.
“I know there is some skepticism whether brain training can translate into improved cognitive function but I am convinced that it definitely has in my case. My capacity for sustained focus has never been close to what it is now, even with thousands of hours of mindfulness meditation.
“I don’t understand why the benefits of AVE are not widely known, especially in industry, in universities and clinics, but it still amazes me that more parents seeking a non-drug treatment, aren’t shouting about the benefits of AVE (audio-visual brain entrainment as is offered in the DDP from Mind Alive) all over the forums and blogosphere? Also, those college kids taking Adderall and Strattera would be better off using this. Why aren’t colleges offering this to students for free in study lounges, for heaven’s sake! I just watched my very bright daughter graduate after four stressful years of college (the Juilliard School), and I think this device would have made it a nicer experience for her.”
Maria’s comments highlight how complex we are, and draw my attention to the necessity for experimentation within safe bounds, plus a multi-factoral approach to improving cognition, executive function, stress response, and so on. Nutrition is not to be ignored. Brain training with the DDP helps in a lot of cases, mine included. I wouldn’t be without it, which is why I represent it on this site.