About Cognitive Fitness
A scientifically supported training for healthy brains in a healthy body.
Background
'Use it or lose it'
Cognitive Fitness is a unique training method that was developed in 2004 for the NCCN (Neuro Cognitive Center Netherlands). This method was crafted by neuropsychologists and sports experts, firmly grounded in scientific principles. Since 2004, it has been utilized to train various groups, including seniors and individuals with brain injuries.
Over the years, Cognitive Fitness has evolved into a comprehensive training methodology, adaptable even in the corporate world and accessible to anyone interested in maintaining their health.
In 2012 and 2015, two effectiveness studies on Cognitive Fitness within the field of mental healthcare (GGZ) in The Netherlands yielded positive results. Click the button below to access the research reports from the Trimbos Institute.
Embrace the power of Cognitive Fitness and unlock the potential for a healthier, sharper, and more vibrant you!
The basic principles
More and more research reveals the remarkable influence of physical activity on the condition of our brains. Movement, you see, plays a key role in the creation of new brain cells (neurogenesis). It also fosters the growth of connections between brain cells and enhances the brain's ability to adapt, allowing different parts of the brain to take on functions from other areas (plasticity).
By keeping our physical fitness in check, we have the power to counteract the cognitive consequences that sometimes come with aging. It has been demonstrated that regular exercise reduces the risk of cognitive disorders, including memory and concentration problems. Moreover, exercise has been shown to slow down cognitive decline if it has already begun. For instance, Alzheimer's patients experience slower mental deterioration when they remain active.
People with brain conditions often face physical limitations. However, for them as well, physical activity correlates with improved cognitive function. In addition, exercise leads to better overall fitness, improved coordination, enhanced reaction times, better balance, and greater muscle and joint flexibility.
In essence, exercise is beneficial for both body and mind, whether you aim to maintain good health or strive to become healthier.
To achieve the greatest impact, a physical activity program must meet specific criteria. Cognitive Fitness is a unique training method specifically designed to positively influence memory, concentration, coordination, and sensory skills. During the training, fitness exercises are combined with mindful breathing and relaxation exercises, coupled with cognitive elements that consciously activate the brain.
Cognitive Fitness is effective for older adults, individuals with cognitive challenges, and anyone else who wishes to keep their brain healthy.
Embrace the transformative power of Cognitive Fitness and embark on a journey to a sharper, more vibrant mind and a healthier, more resilient body. Your potential is limitless!
The three main elements
Physical exercise
Scientific research indicates that physical exercise has a beneficial impact on brain health. Physical activity leads to the creation of new brain cells (neurogenesis). Furthermore, it promotes the growth of connections between brain cells and enhances the brain's capacity for different regions to assume functions from other parts (plasticity).
Physical exertion is therefore crucial, and that's why the Cognitive Fitness training also includes a physical component.
The cognitive benefits of physical activity are most pronounced in training regimens that combine strength and cardiovascular exercises. Thus, the "effort" primarily involves a blend of muscle-strengthening exercises designed to elevate heart rate and respiration frequency.
Cognitive challenge
To keep our brains in good condition, we must continue to use, stimulate, and challenge them. By stimulating the brain and keeping as many areas active as possible, the brain remains engaged within the network of neurons, reducing the risk of deterioration. This principle is known as "use it or lose it."
During the Cognitive Fitness training, participants are encouraged to learn new things. Mastery of these skills requires practice, and repetition plays a crucial role. Practice and repetition strengthen the connections in the brain.
In Cognitive Fitness, movement is often combined with exercises (such as puzzles, sorting pictures, and solving math problems) that engage cognitive functions like attention, memory, and logical thinking.
Relaxation
Prolonged stress is one of the brain's greatest adversaries. Stress can ultimately lead to the degradation of brain cells. Despite this knowledge, most people live under significant pressure on a daily basis.
Each training session concludes with a standard fifteen-minute relaxation period, gradually guiding participants and introducing them to body-oriented relaxation techniques. During the relaxation portion of the training, various exercises are covered, such as teaching (regular) deep abdominal breathing, progressive relaxation, and mindful movement.
The breathing techniques are developed for specific health purposes, including training the heart and lungs.
The mindfulness exercises are soothing for both the body and mind. These exercises are always accessible to all participants. With professional guidance, everyone is capable of participating and deriving enjoyment from them.
Who benefits from it?
We believe Cognitive Fitness benefits both those with cognitive challenges and those looking to prevent them. In short, it's beneficial for anyone concerned about brain health.
Here's a list of current target groups for Cognitive Fitness.
Elderly
As we get older, our body and therefore our brain will function less and less well. However, research shows that we can influence this, including through sufficient exercise. For example, we looked closely at the Blue Zone areas, where most 100 year olds live.
Mental health care
Within mental health care, research has been conducted twice into the effect of Cognitive Fitness on this target group. Both studies showed very good progress on both physical and cognitive tests. The participants gave the training an 8.3 and indicated that they had more self-confidence and gave a higher rating for their quality of life.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
This target group is large and often suffers from cognitive problems, such as concentration and memory. A number of brain injury experts have now been trained as Cognitive Fitness trainers and we are a partner of the Edwin van der Sar Foundation, an organization that is committed to helping people with TBI.
Education
There are several studies that show that children who exercise first perform better when learning or taking tests. John Ratey writes about this in his book 'Spark'. Cognitive Fitness fully supports this, which is why we believe that these are suitable elements for all schools.
Corporates
In business we are often paid to think. This therefore requires optimal functioning of our cognitive functions. Cognitive Fitness as a program can make participants aware of this process and teach them how to keep their brain healthy.
Sports
We have now introduced various coaches and trainers in sports to our method. There is no sport where you don't need cognitive skills. Think of coordination, responsiveness, analytical skills and information processing speed. These are all elements that we work with at Cognitive Fitness.
Preventive
Cognitive Fitness is fun and strenuous at the same time and can provide the solution for anyone who wants to stay healthy, not only physically, but also mentally. Prevention is better than cure!