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Brain Workshop?
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➔ Brain Workshop website
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This is the link you are looking for
BrainWorkshop is a free open source program that does Dual-Triple and other N-Back tasks, to train your working memory.
on other matters: the article is quite interesting, but I would add an important component: exercise. This book argues with a lot of neuroscience research that exercise is the way to improve your neuronal connections, increase the number of neurons and beat things like depression and lack of motivation!
dual n-back. There's been a little research done showing that playing that for 20 minutes a day will increase your working memory (short-term memory), and could even increase your IQ. The logic behind that is that working memory is highly connected to IQ, so if you improve your working memory, it's supposed to transfer.
Well you didn't provide any info or citations which is lame, but you are correct. A very recent study showed dual n-back tests improve working memory and fluid intelligence. The actual study is linked in the page I provided.
Dual n-back training. There are iOS and Android apps for this. There is also a free desktop application make by brainworkshop. It is really difficult and frustrating in the beginning, but you will eventually get the hang of it and see noticeable improvements.
There are many free tools. One of the more famous techniques is the dual N-back game; you can find lots of versions on the Internet, e.g. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
I personally use Anki to study languages and memorize numbers, which I have to imagine has kept my brain in shape as I've gotten older: http://ankisrs.net/
You might also enjoy reading http://joshuafoer.com/moonwalking-with-einstein/ which talks about the champions of memory competitions and their special techniques.
Two games I'd recommend and which have helped me are the Miracle Modus app (for iOS and Android), written to help sensory overload for autistic people but which I've used for anxiety and ADHD, and a Dual N-Back game, of which there are a few different options but a good desktop version is at http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net
Since you haven't answered the question about taking an IQ test, I'll have to agree with the other commenters in the sense that I don't think you've suffered significant damage from taking B5.
However, you do seem very anxious, so I'd recommend:
Meditation (according to the method laid out in the book The Mind Illuminated)
Brain training: play some Dual n-Back daily. Brain Workshop is for free: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Aerobic exercise: try some running or power walk.
Also, don't listen to the guy who recommended kundalini. Do not fuck with kundalini.
A little after the study came out, I did the dual n-back training almost every morning for about 5 weeks using a python program someone wrote to replicate the original paper. (This guy: Brain Workshop )
I don't think it helped at all, but I did get a lot better at that specific application. When I tried a different version of the n-back for the iPhone that used different images, my n-back skills were much worse. Turns out I just got really good at encoding and recalling that specific grid.
Dual-n-back is pretty applicable for working memory increases. Try brain workshop.
And why are you not interested in Nootropics? Nootropics + dual-n-back will give you the best results (full disclosure I own a Nootropics company and am also a nootropics researcher).
See a study like this for more info: “Combined therapy was most effective in patients whose baseline performance on memory tests was lowest. The best results were observed with 4.8 g of piracetam, especially when training sessions began after 6 weeks of drug treatment. This result was confirmed by the global impression of the principal investigator.
You will probably get used to the job. New jobs usually confuse me a bit but after a while you learn stuff. The computer and stuff will become second nature after a while and you will have less to think about. Getting flustered usually leads to more confusion/poorer working memory for me so time should decrease that also. You could also develop a routine/system to make your job a bit more simpler.
Doing dual n-back might help your working memory?
You will become better at tests just by playing them. You should be doing tests 1+ months before taking noots to establish a baseline.
Quick notes:
- If you're unfamiliar with what Dual N-Back is, this is a good place to start reading.
- This is a dual n-back "Training" game heavily influenced by the wonderful Brain Workshop.
- If you experience any technical problems running the game, please let me know what browser and OS you're using in the comments. Thanks!
- Let me know if you would like to see support for another language.
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Use exercises like these to sharpen your working memory. Outside of this, you could try doing math problems in your head.
Start with 2 digit numbers and addition/subtraction, and work your way up to 3+ digits with multiplication and division.
2+7 58-27 29*47 182+294 294*274
Instead of playing games on your iPod or daydreaming while riding the train/bus, do mental math.
After a while you'll find your working memory has become much better.
You could also look into Cogmed.
Is he on meds? He probably has an impaired working memory and a few other impairments which are common for adhd.
For fun you could test his working memory and compare it to yours. Most people should be able to get up to dual 4-back within a month. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
I used to get in trouble with my girlfriend at the time for forgetting stuff like "important dates". I still don't have a clue what she was going on about at the time. Maybe you should get a calendar and mark stuff on it.
You can try dual-n-back for free -> http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Luminosity is good if you pay (they have daul-n-back like challenge in premium), although I don't think the free version is that great.
I'm dependent on it for settling my thoughts when it comes to academic writing, also when needing to read a lot of material in a short period of time. Though, in situations where there is little other stimulus than the task at hand (no internet, no people to talk to or ones I can ignore), I seem to cope better. So, it's less a 1-10 because I have gone weeks to months without it, such as on holiday.
I'm still interested in how I can lessen my dependence with dual n-back training as people have reported that they can focus much better after improving their DNB scores. So, we shall see.
Have you heard of dual N-back? Brain bench is a free program you can use to try it out. There have been some studies showing it to have a beneficial effect on fluid intelligence and working memory.
I didn't stick with it, so I can't really say I have personal experience with it causing improvement (although I definitely did get better at the "game").
This free open source software both outputs to CSV (text) and has build in graphs showing your progress:
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Also sustained Dual-N-Back tests will increase your working memory and according to several research papers might effectively increase your overall IQ. The trick? Raising your Dual-N-Back ability is HARD and takes a lot of dedication. By using tDCS with anode on F3 and cathode on FP while doing Dual-N-Back tests, I'm trying to shorten the amount of time it takes to increase my working memory and mental fluidity.
Here's some more on the ability to increase intelligence through Dual-N-Back:
IANANS (...Neuro Scientist):
That said, brains are extremely plastic (lots of research to back this up) and so if I were you, I'd start doing a regular 15-30minutes a day on a dual-n-back game like Brain Workshop. Dual N-Back games are the only thing in the peer-reviewed literature where regular practice has been shown to actually increase IQ. It works by exercising the short-term working memory, and thereby increasing fluid intelligence.
Get to it, and good luck.
Dual N Back is a game that has been shown in research to be beneficial, and you can play it for free. I see this website mentions dual n back as well, but I have no idea what their offering includes. Perhaps you can start with the free, proven game, and if that's not enough, kick it up a notch and try them.
I'm honestly not an expert but I would suggest that it is a bad brain malfunction. You might want to research a little more about neurobiology and short term memory failure. Therapists aren't the best resource for understanding neurological damage. Look for a doctor that specializes in memory loss.
In the meantime, I would highly suggest doing some fun short-term memory games. Your short-term memory is like a muscle that really needs to be worked out or it can become weak like any other muscle. My favorite short term memory game right now is called Dual N-Back (Brain N-Back on Android). It's a little tough at first but you get the hang of it pretty quickly.
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net
http://www.soakyourhead.com/dual-n-back.aspx
There have been many studies that show statistically significant improvements in their subjects working memory. I do my best to play once or twice a day on my smart phone. Takes no more than 3-5 min to play one game and you should see significant improvements in a few days.
Dual N-Back, though it can be difficult to distinguish between the effects due to nootropics and those due to your learning curve.
Just in case you don't know, there is a cool google group dedicated to n back: https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!forum/brain-training
Also there is a SourceForge n back download that offers many different types of n back exercises:
I was in a very similar situation last year living in Sherman Oaks. Applying for jobs can seem utterly useless, I remember spending 3 days applying to literally every restaurant, car wash, office, fast food, etc. The only people that responded to me were Chipotlé so I would suggest starting there. Chipotle, Starbucks, the chains have applications online.
I would suggest moving out of the city, everything in LA is extremely expensive.
don't use job sites, they are a waste of time, go directly to the websites of the restaurants etc.
for a place to live you can use craigslist, couchsurfing, airbnb etc.
until you've finished applying to jobs and finding a place to stay, make starbucks your home, but crush all temptations to buy anything. Free wifi is your best friend.
I ate healthy for 15$ per day, I had a cheap rice cooker with which i made brown rice and eggs for breakfast every morning, for lunch I would grab an orange or a banana and a bag of cashews, and for dinner I would go to ralphs and hit the salad bar.
to make sure I stayed sharp and made the best possible use of my time I used Dual N Back it really helps a lot.
Lived like this for 6 months so I could finish highschool. When the last bit of savings finally dried up my family in the middle east bailed me out so thats where I am now.
LA is the fucking worst man, good luck. Also, I feel like a dick for saying this but i dont think you'll be able to keep the cats.
Try a dual n-back test. Adderall should increase your working memory assuming it was impaired to begin with.
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Time dilation is another common effect of adhd so you could watch the passage of time. I can usually see a difference by how long a second takes to pass or if time seems to jump in blocks.
Start setting goals for improving those weaknesses and track your progress. Breakdown the components of each skill and practice them incrementally. Brain Workshop will give you detailed feedback on your working memory.
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
The dual n-back task involves remembering a sequence of spoken letters and a sequence of positions of a square at the same time, and identifying when a letter or position matches the one that appeared n trials earlier.
You might want to try this brain game. It helped me socially a lot, by helping increase my memory and in general my confidence.. and you can make this game as difficult as you want. A huge google group also exists for this game (it is difficult but worth it)
There are an unproven thing you can try for ADHD- playing Brain-n-back.. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
This game strengthens the working memory and is very draining for the brain and has helps people with ADHD, has helped me tremendously.. it helps because after a 1 hour session you will not have that extra useless energy which makes you show ADHD symptoms. might help with Schizophrenia as well..good luck buddy :)
EDIT: I was thinking whether I should suggest you to do ketosis or not for ADHD (because I do not know how Schizophrenia would react to that), but seems like you are already doing intermittent fasting... ketosis is similar to fasting in that it leads to production of ketones .. but it is more powerful than fasting because the ketones are produced 24 hours.. if you really want to see drastic changes .. do it for 5-6 months and report back .. you might be cured of ADHD and IBS and depression by then ...
Man, you are a role model for me .. don't let this flatter you and keep up.. I want to see you CURED.. do keep coming back with posts..would love to hear your progress
Try a dual n-back test. You should become slightly better over time naturally but your medication should help. Dual 2 back might be hard if your meds aren't working. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
theres other tests http://cognitivefun.net/
The simpler the better IMO. Dual N-Back http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/ as long as it takes to hit the wall consistently on your scores and then apply tDCS. With a variety of montages. It would be interesting to do together and exchange results. Are there 10 of us in here who'd be up for a month of experimenting?
>Vidare anser jag inte heller att staten skall bestämma över vilka privata företag anställer eller inte anställer.
Om det visar sig att detta har en negativ effekt på samhället kommer du fortfarande ha samma åsikt?
>Förstår inte varför kön eller annan godtycklig biologisk parameter skall spela in när någon anställs.
För att inom vissa områden i samhället så är det männen som har makten, med kvotering så vill man att detta förändra på detta. Är det verkligen så svårt att förstå?
Här spela detta spelet så kanske du kommer få det lättare att förstå: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Here's a free program that can help improve fluid intelligence and working memory, it's called Brain Workshop. I've tried it, and it definitely feels like a brain workout.
Chemically you might want to check out Nootropics, (google it), but the science behind it might be a little iffy.
Adderall is useful in that you turn into a mindless work robot. If you need to plow through a lot of work, it's really wonderful. Unfortunately it is an amphetamine which means that you build tolerance and there is a potential for physical addiction. (Although benzos and alcohol have a higher risk)
This isn't necessarily memory related, but you might be interested in trying this out.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is just work on a study ethic; it's just something you have to force yourself into. It fucking sucks at first, but a good work ethic for studying is going to be far better than any kind of substance.
I make sure I always get around people, exercise, eat well and do rewarding things. I pull up my calendar program each day and write out a detailed plan. Later beside it I write what actually happened. Then I can always look back and be proud of where I came close. Simple and flexible.
Anyway on to a tip about cognitive improvement that may or may not be useful. Playing the Dual-N-Back game has been shown to increase working memory and fluid intelligence scores, though how this impacts real life is up for debate. Here's an open source implementation of it. I bet chess involves similar tasks to the above so if that interests you then maybe there's another good option.
Lol, you can improve, it takes 'effort' though.
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/ + http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_loci
I'm fairly fail as well, but I've noticed after practicing the former I feel much "sharper". The later helps tremendously with memory. I have a hunch that most people with 'above-average' intelligence merely have the habit of visualizing more than others.
For which one? In terms of memory, because I don't think its been well-explored quite well enough, there's a lot of scattered info on it. Some people like to try Anki which is a flashcard program that works on the learning technique called spaced repetition. There's also dual n-back games like this. For me, personally, I best learned how to store numbers and information by connecting them as patterns of information. For example, 2 4 2 7 9 2 becomes "two groups of even numbers, separated by two odd, the grouping is three numbers, two numbers then one number (a pattern which is backwards sequential itself) first number repeated in the last position of the even number group and last of the entire group, second number is second number in the even series, odd number set is the two last numbers in the odd single digit series." Yes, I know that looks incredibly inefficient but I don't think about it in words, they're pockets of data and because I have so many cross checks and redundancies I am 100% certain of the number and conveniently each redundant piece of info just makes it even easier to remember. It takes practice but eventually I have it where I can confidently remember a hundred digits on a piece of paper (though it still takes me way longer than the world record holder, hate that guy). With practice, the faster it becomes and the more of a connection you have with numbers.
If you try one of those games, just remember, getting better at them actually does mean you're getting better at using your memory in general even though it is hard to see it at first.
The other skills are a bit more interesting...
This might be a decent way to measure attentiveness.
Edit: Also, stimulants aren't necessarily a silver bullet; I have to put a lot of effort into planning my days, but it's easier to stick to those plans with my prescription. Try making small changes in your everyday routine. Think of your condition as an excuse to experiment with yourself.
What is your typical diet? Try eliminating soft drinks, or getting more fruit and veg.
Do you take any supplements? Generic multivitamins are cheap, and antacids cause your body eliminate amphetamines more slowly.
How often do you exercise? When I can't focus on writing I'll go for a short bike ride, and I'm usually more productive afterwards.
Thanks - yes, I'm familiar with the Dual N-back task and have actually helped developed an iphone app based on it.
There are several implementations of that exercise, you can find some of the nicer (or well designed) ones here:
Uses flash -> http://themindflow.com/flash.html
Uses Silverlight -> http://www.soakyourhead.com/dual-n-back.aspx
Here is one you can download to your machine free (mac or pc):
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
I agree, there is no reason to pay for Lumosity when there are so many excellent free games out there. Also, Dual N-back is backed by research while many other "brain training games" are not.
That's why I said you had to answer the question honestly as you and your family will be the ones making a statement to police. If you honestly believe that he is a danger to himself or others then you have a moral obligation to report it and have something done. If you don't you need to pursue other options. I'm willing to bet there are some sort of community mental health organizations in your area that could advise you better on this.
If you can get him on meds and in therapy there is hope. He will most likely have relapses the rest of his life with an occasional hospitalization required to adjust his medication.
This video on neuroplasticity popped up the other day and I was impressed with the advances they are making in treating schizophrenia and PTSD. If you can get him into therapy you might see if your doctors would consider methods along those lines. I believe the game they have them playing in the video is something similar to the Dual N-back game. If you want to try to get him to play I wouldn't propose it as a cure to his problem because he will most likely react negatively towards and consider it an "evil". If instead you let him catch you playing it yourself and hype it a bit he might want to play it just for shits and giggles.
Good luck, what you're dealing with is pretty rough stuff.
The beliefs that people hold are fairly malleable. If you think intelligence is set in stone, try reading up on neuroplasticity - our brains respond to their environments to a much greater extent than people used to believe. We can grow new neurons. Things like the dual n-back task seem to increase people's working memory and their intelligence.
Basically, thinking of intelligence as changeable leads to a bunch of good effects, and you can choose to change what you believe.
Dual N-Back is simple, free and supported by several peer-reviewed studies.
Not going to engage in false modesty: It is the most reputable and effective solution for your problem on this page.
You mean the site?
I don't know that specific site, but I studied several other similar sites in the past.
Personally I prefer Dual N-Back, because it's free.
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
It should be noted however that just using either these websites or Dual N-Back will not make you more intelligent (but it might teach you how to concentrate for longer periods of time).
People have studied the effects on the brain and brains are really specific when they learn something, there is no known short cut. You study how to get good at IQ tests, you become good at IQ tests, but ONLY IQ tests. You practice how to get good at brain training websites and you ONLY get good at brain training websites, the effect doesn't carry over to the rest of your life.
I got that from studying research papers.
But I can tell you what the long road is. It's just a lot of work and a lot of reading.
For long term memory, you could try Anki. However, it's not specifically designed as a memory test, but as a spaced repetition system. You could download an add-on that shows your stats throughout time. Anki works better if you build your own decks, such as foreign language vocabulary (i.e., if you put in the effort by studying it before memorizing it). However, if you dowload pre-made decks perhaps you'll be able to try it as pure memory test, independent from your previous knowledge data base.
For short term memory, you could play dual n-back daily. You can download it for free at http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/. This software tracks your daily improvement, making it easy to analyze it.
The drawback of both methods is that they will train you to get better, so it'll be hard to distinguish whether it's the supplement effect or the training effect.
It's all good brother. Thanks for trying.
Please play the full PC version (free) of the game by downloading it through http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
You could increase/decrease NBack, trials, speed. You could even add sounds, images, math.
I suck at this game by the way. lol! Great game to pass time and keep the brain active.
Meditation: check out the book "The Mind Illuminated" and its related subreddit /r/TheMindIlluminated. You could also check out /r/streamentry and its beginners guide.
Dual n-Back: you could implement a daily exercise routine. In order to reap its full benefits, eventually, you should work you way up to at least one hour a day for one month. Check out this free software http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Multiple Mentality: Harry Kahne's multiple mentality training is another demanding brain training program that demands daily dedication. Check it out: http://www.rexresearch.com/kahne/kahne.htm.
You can train your attention and executive function by practicing the following:
Meditation: check out the book "The Mind Illuminated" and its related subreddit, /r/TheMindIlluminated. You may also want to check /r/streamentry and its beginner's guide.
Dual n-Back: try to aim to achieve eventually one hour a day of training to derive all the benefits (though definitely work your way up to it, since it'll be too much for your brain in the beginning). Start by playing only one or three sessions, then work your way up to perhaps 5 minutes, and then 10 minutes and so forth. Check out and download Brain Workshop, which is the best software, which also happens to be free.
Multiple mentality: if you want to go all the way, you might also consider Harry Kanhe's Multiple Mentality training.
These are the very best training programs I've found thus far. You'll benefit a lot if you have the discipline to follow them. Nootropics won't solve the issue, but they can help you speed up your brain rewiring (omega 3, lion's mane, magnesium etc. could help in that regard). But you'll have to train your brain to rewire it.
Besides that, all the tips that the other commenters have given you are important, such as:
Reducing or cutting smartphone and/or internet use
No fap
Regular sleeping schedule
Aerobic exercise, such as running, jogging, swimming, biking
Reading books and establishing goals for studying without giving in to distractions
Check out the Multiple Mentality by Harry Kahne.
You might as well try Dual n-Back for one hour of actual playing a day (though not at first, but build up to it).
For meditation and more calmness overall, check out the book The Mind Illuminated by John Yates.
Beware of other basics like sleep, No Fap, nutritional deficiencies, supplements and vitamins etc.
Do you mean working memory in the strict psychological sense of 'the thing(s) you're currently working with this second', or something more general? If the former, there's some evidence that the dual n-back task can improve working memory in the general population. You can get this (for free) online here. It's slightly tricky to describe, but it's basically a game where you have to remember letters and locations of objects on a grid. There's 'anecdotal evidence' it helps with ADD, which means it might be worth a go for dyspraxia, though this is speculative and I offer no guarantees.
I've explained this quite badly, (it's been a long day and it's getting late), but hopefully the link will provide enough detail for you to at least look into it and see if it's worth a go. Good luck!
That's quite a significant jump.
Speeded DnB and CnB are just modes you can set up on Brain Workshop - which I'm assuming you're playing DnB on.
Speeded DnB is just playing at a shorter interval. I've used to decrease each interval progressively from 1.5 seconds to 1.0 seconds. I've read a guy had good results trying to make his thinking and reaction faster, although I think he was playing at 0.8 or 05 seconds intervals, which is insane.
Combination n-Back, on the other hand, is a different ball game altogether. You have to remember and answer correctly if the stimulus you were presented was in audio and now is visual or vice versa, for instance. It has a different effect on my brain than DnB, TnB or QnB. Some people say it is a bit like a stroop test.
Perhaps the official website might explain the various modes better than I can: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/details.html
Multiple mentality is a program created by Harry Kahne: http://www.rexresearch.com/kahne/kahne.htm
- Meditation: check out the book "The Mind Illuminated"
- Dual n-Back (http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/)
I've had some success combining meditation and this brain training game. If you can practice them daily and also do some cardio (running, cycling etc.), you'll change your brain through neuroplasticity in a few months.
As the other commenter said: brain workshop. It is free, and Dual n-Back and its variants (Triple, Quadruple, Combination n-Back etc.) will keep you busy for a long time. Train it daily. It is tough initially, but you'll progress. If you really want your bang for buck aim to train one hour daily (though not in the first weeks).
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
As a bonus, check out the multiple mentality program by Harry Kahne. It is also tough and also demands daily training.
http://rexresearch.com/kahne/kahne.htm
If you have the ambition and put in the effort, you'll reap the rewards within the first months.
If I may suggest something:
Meditation: pick up the book "The Mind Illuminated" and check its sub (/r/TheMindIlluminated)
Dual n-Back: give this free brain training app a try (http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/). I find that playing this daily helps with meditation and focus. Sure, you might feel this is unproductive as well, but it might help your brain form a neurophysiological basis for better concentration, so you may apply it in something more productive.
Jogging or running: aerobical and intense exercises will help your brain rewire faster and will help your mind in every way.
Applying these three together might help build your focus you while you're on your way to substitute surfing for something more productive. But, you have to be consistent about it and do it daily.
if you are that concerned you could always try to get an appt with a psychiatrist, who should be highly understanding of your position and could easily assess you again and provide an rx
alternately, you could consider going to Indy
although I realize you are basically asking to doctor shop, it is a problem here in Bloomington that students try to get ADHD diagnosis and meds for nefarious reasons, and I'm guessing you are relaying some of your feelings in this post because you realize this as well
you might also consider getting yourself a mindfulness meditation habit, and take a look at n-backing, which has shown some efficacy in helping people with ADHD
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
if you have a history of childhood trauma, however, I suggest you look into treatment for that because very, very often ADHD is a manifestation of childhood trauma, not fundamental attention problems (
note - many people do not recognize their own history of childhood trauma... some reading about A.C.E.'s [adverse childhood experiences] is highly applicable here
good luck
- Playing dual n-back: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
- If you are really disciplined and patient, following the multiple mentality program by Harry Kahne: http://rexresearch.com/kahne/kahne.htm
Well there's a Windows version available and it's pretty robust software. I'm not sure what interference is, but it might be in there. Maybe you could check it out and get back to us. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/download.html
I don't think it's still actively supported, but there is an archived version of the BrainWorkshop*net Dual N-Back game that I use here: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
I had a problem where I was using one site to develop a history of brain game scores only to have the site re-designed, thereby losing all my data. I like that you can download the BrainWorkshop to your own computer and are not by default sharing your data with who knows.
Yeah the discrepancy between your scores would indicate that there could be something else involved, like ad(h)d. If this were a real comprehensive test with a psychologist, they would note that you have significant differences: your spatial and verbal differ significantly, and so does your working memory with everything else. Accounting for those differences may lead a psychologist to conclude that your IQ is closer to just the composite of spatial and verbal IQ, which I assume would be something like 115. So far the best way to improve working memory, that I know of, backed by a meta study, is dual-n-back. Specifically, using the brainworkshop dual-n-back software and putting the interference setting at 100%: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
You would need to do this every day for a session. Personally I've been lazy, so I haven't done it consistently enough to see results.
Withdrawal symptoms are temporary. In the meantime you could try things to strengthen your memory and focus. You could try some memory games online or get a mindfulness meditation tape and start practicing focus and concentration that way. There are lots of easy ways to start meditation (which is just really a way to develop focus and concentration). Good luck! I personally use a memory game called "Dual N-Back," there is a very good free version online at http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
I learned of Bitcoin in 2011 and briefly tested GPU mining on my laptop, got my first few Bitcoins in 2012 (some of them as donations on http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/), and got heavily involved in mining in 2013. When Bitcoin XT was released in 2014, I got excited and started to get involved in protocol development. So I've been around for a while, but was not active during those formative years.
There might be a connection between the anxiety and cannabis use, and possibly some other symptoms. I smoked cigs for on and off for a couple years, then heavy for a few months, got addicted and quit. My state has a program that offers a few resources for quitting. I got two weeks of patches for free, but they made my chest hurt so I stopped using them after a few days. Still that was enough for me to quit and every time I think it might be nice to have a smoke I tell myself how shitty they made me feel. That was months ago and I feel much better in that regard and don't really have cravings anymore. I think it would be good for you to quit smoking altogether, but that's easier said than done.
Two things besides meds I know that can help with focus. Meditation and N-back training. Here's links to some free resources to help you get started.
http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
I think the N-back is set to dual N-back at first, which is more studied, but I've read that single N-back can be just as effective and I find it less stressful.
Firstly, research studies don't really demonstrate that something is impossible. You can think of the famous Edison quote that he hadn't failed, he'd just discovered 10,000 ways that won't work.
Secondly, there is research evidence supporting environmental factors to increase intelligence. We have the Flynn Effect, showing that performance on IQ tests increased over decades. We have indications that there are some tests that may be able to improve intelligence like the dual n-back test, and we know from research studies that there are brain changes throughout the lifespan including responses to learning.
It's basically a memory game. You have to remember two stimuli at once - the position of a square appearing in a space on a 3x3 grid, and a letter, spoken to you by the program. These are given at the same time, and then after a short pause, given again. Can be the same, can be different, either stimuli. Your job is to notice when it's the same as it was N times ago. So if I'm playing at Dual 2-back, I'm watching and listening for the square position and spoken letter respectively to be the same as it was 2 times ago. If the position is the same, I press the "position" button, and if the letter is the same, I press the "letter" button. This goes on for two minutes or so, then you are given your accuracy results. If you're above 80% accuracy, it's recommended you increase the value of N. If you're below 40%, you reduce it.
I'll just give you a link.
There are versions of it on the apple and google app stores as well. Give it a try.
telling you, do this - 2 hours of anulom vilom daily and play dual n back .. download from http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Change your life.. psychiatry drugs just fuck you up.. they did me
Sure, no problem. I hope it helps. Just remember while it can seem challenging at a certain level, it is during that moment your brain is making new connections and learning.
I used the desktop version from http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/download.html if you ever plan to be on a laptop/desktop to practice.
> What about you?
I have been lazy in the past sometimes, but for most of the last year I've kicked my exercise and fitness into high gear. Staying physically fit and working out seems to do wonders for my level of well-being.
I'm on the skinnier side, but slowly building more muscle.
I really try to avoid having a day where I stay completely sedentary (key to muscle loss), I try to split up the day with bodyweight squats, jump rope and stair climbing, and treadmill. Using a bioavailable curcumin (i.e. with piperine) really seems to make this a breeze, as in I feel less stiff/sore.
I do n-back infrequently, but I use this: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/ when I do.
I get most of my fish oil from canned atlantic herring (dill and mustard sauce. nom.), salmon, or sardines (in olive oil). Aioli and cayenne pepper cover the fishiness of sardines. I avoid tuna since it seems to be pretty bad for increasing heavy metal load with regular intake.
I could be more studious about music practice, but sometimes I only play piano and guitar a few days per week if I'm too distracted by other things.
Adhd or another autism spectrum disorder? http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/addquiz.htm
You can also test/improve your memory with dual n-back. Dual 4-back should be about average after a month. If you get stuck at dual 2-back then you 100% have a medical/psychiatric condition you need to address. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Bacopa should help if your memory is impaired. A high EPA fish oil may help. I would try them both for 3 weeks to see if they work. Bacopa doesn't agree with some people so you might have to stop taking it.
Modafinil might help as stated by another poster. Some people have bad effects when stopping it in terms of brain fog etc... and it doesn't always help. Adrafinil might work if you are in a country that requires a prescription for modafinil but the results are less consistent and it can be hard on the liver so you will have to cycle it because it can cause liver damage.
L-theanine has different effects on different people. For most it removes anxiety and for some it creates anxiety. L-theanine lets you be stimulated but calm at the same time.
Bacopa might help with memory. Bacopa isn't for everyone and make some people lethargic and foggy headed. It also takes at least 3 weeks to kick in and 3 months to get to near full effect.
Ashwagandha might increase libido and reduce anxiety. It makes me really sleepy.
Do you take a multimineral?
Dyspraxia sounds a lot like ADHD. Maybe try a dual n-back test and see if you can get up to dual 4-back to see what your working memory is like. I think you might need medication fix your problem. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Here's a link to free software that does what you describe.
brainworkshop home page
They have a forum you can read, as well. Some people describe impressive benefits they have gained from the software, and other techniques.
I've read research suggesting that found no benefits, not with this particular software, but with a commercial web offering whose name I can't recall.
Something for you to look into, anyway.
Uridine monophosphate is available at amazon. I take 250mg/day.
DHA supplement is just fish oil, but find one with a high amount of DHA compared with EPA. DHA should have preferentially better effect for mind (allegedly)
NA-Semax you can find at Ceretropic.com supplied by /u/MisterYouAreSoDumb yours truly. Can't recommend their products or them enough. I take around 600ug/day.
DNB training is not a supplement, it's a program - find it here: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Meditation - sit down in a comfortable position, relax, and focus on your breath. Nothing else. 5 minutes/day for a beginner. Slowly increase dose. You'll may and may not notice benefits quickly, but it's a powerful exercise that I can't recommend enough.
Oxiracetam is excellent for me to improve creativity. I take it with centrophenoxine and effects are subtle, but awesome. :) For fluid intelligence I recommend BrainWorkShop. Check there: http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
You can test yourself on brain workshop daily and its got a graph feature so you can keep track of changes in your working memory over time while on and off the nootropic. Keeping track of reaction time may be useful as well.
http://www.humanbenchmark.com/tests/reactiontime http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
One of their "games" in the paid version is based on dual-n-back which has pretty strong scientific backing for it's abilities to increase working memory. That being said, you can get a free, open source version of dual-n-back here -> http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
20 minutes a day a few times a week is sufficient to see increases :)
Good to hear you’re experiencing positive effects. I’m quite a fan of stacking piracetam and aniracetam. Have you heard of dual n-back brain training? There is some evidence that it can increase IQ through improving working memory. You can download a version of it here http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Probably about a week without any assistance. I've done a couple of self-experiments with Dual-N-Back exercises which have brought my short term memory back up to par within two or three days.
I recommend you go travelling for a while. It's a good way to part from the routines, and put you in a space where you are forced to think "what do I want to do now?"
Surpassing yourself is a game you can play with yourself. Like meditation, it is weird at first, but once you commit to it, it becomes obvious why it was a good idea to begin with, and motivation to keep it up will come more naturally.
It also sounds like you aren't very good at focusing. Do you have distracting habits? Habitually checking Facebook or such? Travelling is good for that too, to remove yourself from the usual temptations that may keep you unproductive.
But focus is also a thing you can train. The game here is to stay with one thing. Vipassana meditation is a great tool for developing focus. You can also train your attention with a game like dual N-back. There is a good balance between being open and creative, and closed and focused. It's nice to be able to be in both.
I find various kinds of meditation and yoga effective, but I especially like to build concentration using dual-n-back training. It trains you to remember two lists of n things at the same time while updating them in place in your short term memory. There are claims it can raise IQ. I don't know about that, but it certainly has improved my ability to focus.
There's some research showing that Lumosity, and software using similar techniques, can help improve what's called "working memory." But some of the tests have had inconclusive results.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-back
I downloaded free software called "Brain Workshop" that's basically the same as Lumosity, just stripped down and simplified. But today, the site's not working & I don't know if it's down temporarily or if they're out of business.
> so this naturally leads my to think that perhaps to see the full effects of noopept (or any other nootropic that affects neurotrophin levels), one would have to be constantly stimulating the brain
isn't this obvious? I thought people took noots to the end of enhancing whatever stimulating activity they're already doing?
I'm learning guitar as well as several languages and reading extensively. Are there people taking noots and not doing intellectually stimulating activities or what?
Also, just to throw this in DNB.
Try to engage the audio and visual areas of your brain as much as possible. One study I was reading about used something like the dual n-back game to do this.
If you like that, I'd suggest this OpenSource Brain training game:
http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
It's both infuriating and ... developmental... We're using a version of the n-back test in a dual cognitive and motor control task for research project I'm working for this summer :)
Enjoy!
Check this out: Brain Workshop
It is a memory 'game', researched upon; and free. The website has tutorials, FAQs and article links of explanations.
I stumbled upon this website from an article in Gizmodo a long time ago. I haven't tried it yet because I have never took the time to do so; however, I plan on starting before the end of the year.
Do Dual N-Back tests, they improve your working memory.
In addition to flossing before bed, use a crest whitestrip. They work well.
I like to dim the lights, and stretch before bed too. In addition to improving flexibility, it's meditative and when you crawl into bed your body feels amazing.
Fantastic. I haven't made the jump yet to Acetams. I'm going to get used to the fantastic stuff I'm getting from Vinpocetine first. At the moment, it feels like I'm doing mental burnouts and lacking traction and stimulation. Maybe it's placebo, maybe it's fake... but either way, I have too much mental horsepower right now to go around.
tests demonstrate that n-back training can improve working memory and fluid intelligence:
general info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-back
n-back freeware (which I use regularly): http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
slightly off topic, but three (3) people have independently told me that I kinda remind them of Bradley Cooper in Limitless. I read a lot and I have freakish recall of data; it's simply the way my brain is wired. I'm terrible at sports, can't carry a tune in a bucket, but I can somehow remember practically everything I've ever read. I've also done fairly well with picking mutual funds in my 401k and IRA; do day trading, though...
my memory tends to be very good.
I've had some success with working memory training, too. Freeware called "Brain Workshop" uses n-back training to improve working memory; it's been tested, peer-reviewed and found effective for most people:
This video on neuroplasticity popped up about a week ago. I found it interesting for the ramifications it has on reversing the effects of schizofrenia.
Edit: Also see if you can get her to play the dual n-back game. I think that is pretty much what they are doing in the above video.
Maybe it's not a direct solution, but there's a small software there that has been shown to help with working memory. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it also helps with ADHD symptoms.
Here it is, free of charge and without any side-effects :) http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
I'd be curious to know more about your inattention though. DO you think about something during those times? Inattention is really not specific to ADHD. If it were ADHA anyway, you'd benefit from concerta.