Repairing my brain
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anonymous Asks ...
I am interested in improving my memory, concentration, working memory and quick thinking. I feel as though I am not as sharp as I used to be because of the years of hard drinking I am just recently leaving behind me. I see on the internet there are a number of programs that are supposed to improve my intelligence. Before I waste my time (and or money) with any of these, I would like some reassurance that ‘brain training’ is something that is actually going to work. Do you know if it is possible to really improve my intelligence? If so, do you have any program or method to recommend? I am 45. I do not get much intellectual stimulation at work.
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Jill Edwards Says ...
You will find a useful article on brain training in BBC news, Does Brain Training Really Work. I can understand your concern about brain functioning after years of hard drinking.
The evidence is that nutritional feeding is the first line of defence, so it is good to take appropriate amounts of Vitamin B, especially Vitamin B12 and you could ask your doctor for an injection if you have recently stopped drinking. The next step is sorting out your eating so you are eating well balanced diet with plenty of Vitamin B injections. I would then advise that you focus your attention on any practical problems that might exist as you move away from what has been a difficult life style, so doing practical things effectively, paying attention to everyday requirements, is a good place to start.
Poor memory is quite normal in the early stages of recovery. I do advise however that you focus on practical everyday things, then where you have any particular interests, that you start working with them and developing those things that you like doing, in this way your memory will be linked with worth while activities and interests and you will start to make real progress with things that you want to do. Once this begins to work, then you could start studying a particular subject or perhaps going to college and learning some new skills.
However, I would do all this in stages. It is tough when you first start a sober life and you need to get your supports in place and to make slow steady progress in building a healthy life style.
Brain training looks like a short cut, but as an approach, it does not cover all the ground that a full recovery needs, however, it may well be a stepping stone, to taking a more active approach to getting involved with life as it is.
