Exercise your brain

Know your brain and perform at your best - these were the messages when 101 interested people participated in the Brain Day event on 1 September 2008.

Recent years have seen marked developments in neuroscience - popularly called brain research. New concepts have emerged, and brain research interconnects with disciplines such as neuromarketing, social neuroscience, neuro leadership and BrainFitness.

Particularly in the USA, the most recent research centres on integrating neuroscience with leadership. Researchers are focusing on the function of the brain and how sense and sensitivity interact in decision-making. They are also studying how deep-rooted habits and thought patterns can be changed to enhance managers’ and employees’ performance. And they are keenly interested in BrainFitness, which involves the ability of the brain to develop new cells and forge new connections throughout its life under the right conditions. BrainFitness presumes that cognitive intelligence can be increased by training - humans improve their memories and respond faster when their brains are ‘exercised’. The new research results formed the backdrop for the Brain Day at the Danish Technological Institute.

Participants in the Brain Day enjoyed a multi-faceted programme presented by high-profile researchers. One of the speakers was Lone Frank, brain researcher and science reporter at the Da-
nish weekly Weekendavisen and author of the book “Den femte revolution” (The fifth revolution).

Another speaker was senior psychologist Poul Røpke of BrainCenter who wrote the book ‘Hold hjernen skarp – en komplet guide til BrainFitness’ (Keep your brain alert - a complete guide to BrainFitness).

Norwegian Oddbjørn By contributed to the conference by speaking about his book ‘Memo - The Easiest Way to Improve Your Memory’. He uses the principles himself and is today a Grand Master of memory - he speaks, for instance, five languages and has completed a five-year study programme in just three years.