1. Sparks of Genius is a Brain Fitness Center offering Brain Fitness Training. Brain Fitness is the capacity of an individual to meet the many cognitive demands of life. Brain Fitness Training has been scientifically proven to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention and processing speed. Sparks of Genius uses Brain Fitness Training primarily to help with memory loss and attention problems, but we also work with people with Asperger’s syndrome and Minimal Brain Impairment. Sparks of Genius provides clients with a dynamic, scientific-based fun experience with proven success that overcomes cognitive challenges and identifies, ignites and nurtures the many ways they are uniquely smart.

2. Brain fitness is the capacity of an individual to meet the cognitive demands of life, such as processing information, remembering, thinking and making decisions.

3. Brain Fitness Importance. Scientists used to think that we were born with a certain number of neurons, and when brain function was lost, it could not be recovered. We now know that there is Neuroplasticity. New neuronal connections can be made that can compensate for neuronal connections which were never present (ADHD or Asperger’s) or have been damaged (aging, strokes or accidents.) The purpose of Brain Fitness Training is to develop new neuronal connections. It can prevent, slow down, stop or reverse age-related cognitive decline as well as being able to sharpen focus and attention.

Like physical fitness, brain fitness can be improved by a customized workout. We use mentally challenging exercises that improve cognitive and executive functioning skills such as memory, attention, listening, thinking, organizing, planning and decision-making. Effective mental stimulation provides novelty, challenge, variety and practice and leads to higher and higher levels of performance.

Recent research shows that regular brain “workouts” not only help prevent age-related cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitively degenerative diseases, but can also improve normally functioning minds. The healthiest neuroprotective exercises are scientifically based to utilize a combination of cognitive processes that transfer to the real world and last a significant amount of time.

Brain workouts help kids learn to process information, focus and pay attention. This enables them to succeed at school and in life. Interestingly, the latest research shows that what we learn when we are young and throughout our lives protects us against cognitive decline in our later years.

4. Brain Fitness Training at Sparks of Genius. We use cutting edge technology to provide a customized brain training program designed for you. You are likely to use several different kinds of computer programs as well as other technology. This includes neurofeedback and biofeedback training. Some of our clients lease computer programs so that they can continue to work out in their homes. Others use the many programs available online.

Clients typically make a commitment to come to the program for 3-6 months because it takes time to develop new neural pathways.

In addition to the latest technology, all our programs are administered by caring, professional coaches who provide a positive, supportive environment. We identify the many ways that you are smart and nurture your sparks of genius.

5. Who benefits from Brain Fitness Training. Children and adults both benefit. We begin working with children at six and our oldest client is 98

Children labeled as attention deficit disorder, ADHD, gifted, learning disabled or Asperger’s improve attention, grades and potential. Children in elementary, middle and high school love coming because of its cool, cutting edge technology and positive, supportive staff. Parents love it because it works, meaning the results transfer to the real world of school, home, friends, sports and creative accomplishments. Teachers love it because they care about these children, who now are more motivated, confident and able to learn.

Adults improve memory and sharpen their brain. Adults who come to Sparks of Genius include:

• Seniors misplacing the car keys, concerned that it could be early stage Alzheimer’s
• Executives or professionals who needs to be mentally sharp to meet work demands
• Baby boomers who want to prevent memory problems or delay cognitive decline
• College students overwhelmed by academic challenges
• Multitasking mothers and moms with “baby brain”
• Accident survivors with minimal brain dysfunction
• Adults wanting to achieve and maintain peak performance

6. Life span versus brain span It is important to achieve a brain span that is vigorous and healthy so that it can match the longevity of your life span. When the brain span is shorter than the life span, quality of life is affected. With people living longer today, millions are concerned that at some point they will get Alzheimer’s disease. Many nursing home admissions are directly related to dementia. Without it, many of these nursing home residents could be living independently at home.

The best chance of maintaining and sustaining a strong, spirited, energetic mind includes mental stimulation, physical exercise, excellent nutrition, spiritual growth, happiness, a low stress level, positive relationships with friends and family, a sense of humor and a good night’s sleep.

7. Scientific evidence that brain fitness works The most exciting scientific discovery is that the brain can learn at any age. According to the theory of neuroplasticity, thinking and learning actually change both the brain's functional anatomy and its physical anatomy. At Sparks of Genius we use the art and science of neuroplasticity to improve brain health. Scientific research shows that brain fitness can be improved with lifestyle changes such as mental stimulation, aerobic exercises, appropriate nutrition, managing your stress level and getting a good night’s sleep.

8. Seeing results, the results last. Typically clients see some progress within the first 30 days, depending on how often they come and whether or not they do brain fitness workouts on a home computer. Results include:

• Improved memory, attention and processing speed.
• Increased confidence and motivation.
• Improved grades at school, higher efficiency at work, enhanced quality of life.
• Improved connection with your sparks of genius.

Recent scientific research shows that regular brain “workouts” not only help prevent age-related cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitively degenerative diseases, but can also improve normally functioning minds.

When challenged with new, rich meaningful learning and mental stimulation, children and adults improve performance and maintain those gains.

9. What makes Sparks of Genius different from other programs? With the proliferation of prepackaged cognitive training programs, many are tempted to pick something up at Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, these programs often remain unused, just like the home treadmills that are used to store clothes. It is easy to find a computer program that is totally inappropriate for your current needs. It may be so difficult that you get frustrated, so easy that you are bored or it may be not even be addressing your issues, so you are wasting your time. Sometimes you actually chose a program that can help you, but it is just part of the picture. Other times you just don’t have the motivation to do it on your own.

Sparks of Genius is unique in that in addition to providing customized brain fitness workouts using a combination of cutting-edge technologies, we identify, ignite and nurture people’s sparks of genius. Each workout is delivered by caring, trusted professionals who work with people, not diagnoses. Our clients learn to overcome labels and limitations, optimize brain function and soar to new levels of accomplishment.