ETech 2009 session: Life hacking. Brain training. They are one and the same. The brain’s frontal lobes enable our goal-oriented behavior, supporting “executive functions,” such as decision-making, attention, emotional self-regulation, goal-setting, and working memory. These functions can be enhanced with targeted practice – such as life hacking. This session will provide an overview of the cognitive neuroscience underpinning life hacking, and review the state-of-the-art of non-invasive tools for brain training: neurofeedback, biofeedback, software applications, cognitive simulations, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and plain-old meditation.

1. Emerging Research and Technologies for Life Hacking Alvaro Fernandez #ETech 2009 © SharpBrains

3. A complex system Breathing, movement Goal-oriented behavior, thinking Emotions, memory Graph by Rita Carter, Mapping the Mind © SharpBrains.

4. If you lived in London, and wanted to grow your hippocampus, which job would you choose? © SharpBrains. Source: Maguire, Woollett, & Spiers, 2006

5. But: need cross-training

7. Debunking 10 Myths © SharpBrains. 1. Genes determine the fate of our brains. 2. Aging means automatic decline. 3. Medication is the only hope for cognitive enhancement. 4. We will soon have a Magic Pill or General Solution. 5. There is only one “it” in “Use It or Lose it”. 6. All brain activities or exercises are equal. 7. After age X, no new neurons are generated in the human brain. 8. We all have something called “Brain Age”. 9. That “brain age” can be reversed by 10, 20, 30 years. 10. All human brains need the same “life hacking”.

8. Use and Enhance (Klingberg’s The Overflowing Brain) Source: Klingberg et al

10. Tools for Life Hacking 2.0 © SharpBrains. Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience, Augmenting Cognition April 2009 Issue, Alvaro Fernandez Type Research Areas Value Proposition Invasive interventions Drugs, stem cells, implants, explants, DBS, nutrition Treat CNS indications Non-invasive interventions Software, VR, exercise, mindfulness, cognitive therapy, TMS, videogames, hypnosis Achieve specific outcomes (similar to physical fitness paradigm), potentially becoming first-line treatment strategy Lifestyle Sleep, music, stress, cognitive reserve, interacting with nature Maintain cognitive wellness, increase neuroprotection

12. Source: SharpBrains, The Brain Fitness Software Market 2009 © SharpBrains. What is the most important problem you see (n=2,087, January 2009)