Brain fitness pioneers SharpBrains has released its first report on the emerging Brain Fitness Software Market. Now, this report doesn't delve into futuristic aug/cog tech like new memory drugs or implants. Instead, SharpBrains focuses on the state-of-the-art in software-based systems that can be used to improve your mental skills, from emWave's biofeedback devices to brain-training games like Brain Age and Lumosity. The full report is pricey, but quite a few interesting tidbits are available online. From SharpBrains:
1) 2007 was a seminal year for the US Brain Fitness software market, which reached $225 million in revenues – up from an estimated $100 million in 2005…
5) Over 400 residential facilities for older adults have launched computerized "brain fitness centers." Sales to the healthcare and insurance provider segment grew from $35 million in 2005 to an estimated $65 million in 2007…
6) More than five programs have shown results in randomized controlled trials. Cognitive functions that can be trained include: visual and auditory processing, working memory, attention, and decision-making.
Previously on BB:
• Debate around brain enhancement drugs Link
• Mind gyms for cognitive fitness Link