SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
1 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
OCTOBER 28TH
a) Chatbox to the left
Alvaro Fernandez: Please introduce yourself. Where are you based, what are you working on?
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Hello everyone. My name is Anita Bowles. I am the Head of Academic
Research and Learner Studies at Rosetta Stone. My background is in cognitive psychology and
linguistics.
Aki Nikolaidis: Hi- my name is Aki Nikolaidis- I'm based in Urbana, Illinois. My background is in
neuroscience and psychology
Daniel Lane: Hi, does anyone attending have any experience in scaling-up home-based qeeg-directed
neurofeedback ?
Dr. Dharma: Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD Tucson Az, Kirtan Kriya Meditation and Alzheimers Prevention
and cognitive enhancement and emotional regulation. Anyone interested in creating a product for general
public or for Evian doing a long range study that we help fund ARPF.ORG
John H Cammack 2: Hi - I'm John Cammack - I'm interested in offering "neuro-restorative practices" -
mindfulness training, cognitive games and neurofeedback in public schools.
Ruidang Wang: I am Ruidang Wang, from Switzerland. The founder of Rui-Tech GmbH. We focus on
the Neurofeedback, Training & system development
James Cavuoto: Hello everyone. I am James Cavuoto, editor of Neurotech Business Report in San
Francisco, CA. Thank you Alvaro for putting this event together.
Matthew Shane: Hi everyone - my name is Matthew Shane - I'm a professor at University of Ontario
Institute of Technology, primarily using both EEG and MRI (rt-fMRI) to initiate neural changes in clinical
populations.
Ariel Garten: Daniel, we are working with Tom Collura and Brainmaster to release a take-home
neurofeedback suite with Muse
[email protected]: My name is Srini R and we are a startup based in TX. The company is
Karnik Institute. We are specifically focused on pediatric neurology /Brain nutrition/cognitive training for
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
2 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
children .
John H Cammack 2: The home neuro-feedback system which is in use is called Zengar. the founder of
the company is Val Brown. He also offers a clinical model.
Mariapaola Barbato: My name is Maripaola Barbato, I am a postdoctoral fellow at the University of
Calgary. My background is cognitive psychology and neuropsychology. I am interested in brain training
to improve cognition. At the moment I am conducting a study on behavioral and structural changes
following a computerized training focused on social cognition
Stephen Barnard 3: I work at a residential mental health facility in North Carolina called "CooperRiis"
where I run what we call a "neuroenhancement program." We use QEEG, eeg-based neurofeedback,
tDCS and computerized cognitive training.(posit science)., as well as mindfulness /meditation training.
Julian Sevillano: In reference with the report’s conclusions; is not one of the messages that The
SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness emphasizes in English and Spanish?
Katherine Johnson: Kathy Johnson, President of Pyramid of Potential, a company that provides brain
training to children and adults. We are training other trainers around the world, using video and on-line
programs. The training then is done in person to maximize benefits. We are helping those with learning
disabilities, veterens, dementia.
[email protected]: Hello ..I am Dr Susan Jewell , President, International Space Medicine
Consortium, ISMC. and looking at integration of meditation and yoga for astronaut health and wellness.
Also the next presenter..I am interested in talkin gmore about integration of spirtual wellness and how to
incorproate into isolation and confinement of space
Myles Schwartz: Hello all, I am a clinical neuropsychologist in NY. Nearing retirement and interested in
a practice involving brain health
Jon Pratlett: Hello everyone. Sydney. Application of Neuroscience to Effective Leadership, Teamwork
and Culture.
Lori Miller: Lori Miller, from Denver, Colorado. I am a Neurofeedback practitioner who works within a
medical clinic, with a triple-board certified MD (integrative medicine, family practice, and anti-aging
medicine). I use brain mapping and various cognitive and physiologic tests for assessing client
brain/body health, and neurofeedback, biofeedback, health and nutrition coaching both in-office and by
telephone. I am certified in Neurofeeback thru BCIA.
Douglas Ziedonis: Hello everyone - great to be part of this conference. I look forward to connecting with
anyone interested in Mindful Leadership initiatives or research related to behavioral health and
mindfulness.
Ariel Garten: Also sharing my contact infromation as it didn't come up during our last session,
it's [email protected]
Katherine Johnson: Myles - let's talk. I'm in Saratoga
Daniel Lane: Hi Ariel, that is very interesting,. I am currently using Brainmaster NFB equipment and
sending patients home with Atlantis Units. I would be very interested in learning more about this. May I
email you ? I will also contact Brainmaster as well.
Myles Schwartz: great - Albany
Katherine Johnson: Myles - call me 518-885-2007
Ariel Garten: Of course Daniel, you are welcome to email me about neurofeedback tools. Brainmaster
has been a fantastic partner
John H Cammack 2: Stephen - can I learn more about your neuro-enhancement prac ice?
John H Cammack 2: Daniel - I have a release from Tom I can send you.
Teri Barr: Hi everyone, I'm based in Oakland working with older adults to make the current brain
research and technology accessable to a very diverse group of 60-90 year olds, some of whom are
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
3 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
educationally and economically challenged.
Stephen Barnard 3: sure John. My email is [email protected] recently presented as
ISNR on our early clinica outcomes, BTW
Ronald Figueroa: Hello Everyone. My name is Ron FIgueroa. I started a consulting firm on wearable
technology and reserach-software company. My background is in Hospitality Management and Public
Relations. My email is [email protected] & Twitter is @RonHumTumAgency. Thank you very
much Alvaro for making this virtual summit!
Daniel Lane: Thanks Ariel I will get in touch :-)
Marie Stoner: Marie Stoner, clinical psychologist in Philadelphia and co-founder of Activate, a brain/body
exercise program for ages 45+, integrating exercise, cognitive stimulation and stress management.
Daniel Lane: Thanks John ! My email address is [email protected]
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: I'm interested in connecting to anyone who wants to discuss or
collaborate on research at the intersection of foreign language learning and cognitive training - including
cognitive neuroscience, behavioral studies, or making use of large training
datasets. [email protected]
Ariel Garten: Hi Anita, we've done a lot of experimentation around EEG and learning in on-line platforms,
don't hesitate to reach out [email protected]
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Thanks Ariel
Lori Miller: Marie Stoner: I'd like to connect with you off-line to learn more about your program. Lori
Miller
Marie Stoner: certainly Lori, best email [email protected]
Lori Miller: Ariel: I will be attending a Brainmaster workshop in 3 weeks time, and will inquire about how
to integrate Muse with neurofeedback traiing. I already have several clients interested as I recently
learned about muse through a chat group. Lori Miller
[email protected]:@Anita Bowles : Hello Anita , I am a speaker and a teacher of the ancient
language of Sanskrit. I am interested to see if how we can work together on this. I am working in the area
of cognititive training/technology as well.
Stephen Barnard 3: Ariel, after testing out the MUSE on myself, I am incredibly excited and am planning
to incorporate it into our programming at CooperRiis...congratulations on creating this tool.
Dr. Dharma: For Anita, As mentioned over there We are fluent in Italian, French and
Spanish. [email protected]
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Thank you Srinioraghavan. I took down your e-mail. And yours as well
Dr. Dharma.
Ariel Garten: Thanks Stephen and thanks Lori! Yes, the neurofeedback professionals who have gotten
to try Muse have been very excited- we are keen to see the ways that this extends clinical neurofeedback
practice.
Dr. Dharma:Hi Ariel, Would you be interested in exploring 12 min meditation technique thats fun and
easy?
Stephen Barnard 3: Ariel...can one add additional sensors in the usb/charger ports?
Selwyn Super: My name is Selwyn Super. I am the chief scientific advisor to a start up company
eyecarrot. dedicated toward creating an awareness and improvement of human thinking at a global level
from early childhood onward and to assess , analyze and monitor human thinking on a mass scale in real
time. At a local level the company is committed to sloving educational and occupational problems that
affect both individuals and groups.
Ariel Garten: Dr Dharma- of course! And Stephen, yes, we are exploring adding additional sensors to
Muse as well, you can contact me for more details
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
4 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Matthew Shane: Lots of great cognitive work being done in this field. Would be interested in connecting
with people doing any work on emotional brain training.
Aki Nikolaidis: @Ariel- very cool talk- and really nice technology- have you guys compared how the
MUSE compares with other techs in pickiing up different frequency bands?
Ariel Garten: Hi Aki, yes, we've done comparison against clinical systems like Bio-Semi (the gold
standard), Brain Vision ActiChamp and more. Results are clinical grade EEG.
Tara Thiagarajan: Ariel, saw your comment to Anita above. Is any of the EEG /learning work you refer
to published or in public domain?
Ariel Garten: you can learn more at choosemuse.com
Mariapaola Barbato :Mattew: I am working on facial emotion processing
Aki Nikolaidis: Thanks-
[email protected]: Hello Selwyn , I am the Chief of neurotech at Karnik Institute, startup based
in Austin TX. We have a team of neurologists and neuroscientists working in the area of pediatric
neurology. I would love to talk to you !
Matthew Shane: @Mariapaolo: what specifically? Trying to improve facial emotion processing?
Mariapaola Barbato: Yes, we are using eMETT and eSETT (developed by Paul Ekman) in youth at risk
for psychosis
Gerard Jacob: Alvaro, great Summit so far, thank you. I am Gerard Jacob, CEO of a company in Texas
that invests and operates in the neurocognitive domain in fields including sleep health, traumatic brain
injury, peak performance and vision training.
Mariapaola Barbato: we are going to look at behavioral changes as well as neural changes following this
training
Ronald Figueroa:@Anita. I would love to get a dialog going to see how Hum Tum Agency & Diveristy
Labs can collaborate. I am expanding my New Jersey office to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Ronald, let's connect over e-mail. Can you send me a message?
Tara Thiagarajan: Hello, my name is Tara Thiagarajan. In one avatar I am a neuroscientist and work on
the relationship between ecosystemm individual behavior and various aspects of brain dynamics. We've
recorded from over 600 people in India and US in settlements that are extremely remote to very urban.
Ronald Figueroa: I most certainly can Anita.
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone:Thanks!
Ariel Garten: Tara- what kind of brain dynamics do you look at?
Tara Thiagarajan: Ariel, the project I refer to was done with Emotiv
Tara Thiagarajan: I work with all kinds of multielectrode dynamics though from arrays in vitro to human
ECoG
Gerard Jacob: Ruidang Wang, where in Switzerland are you based and what types of systems are you
working on?
Tara Thiagarajan: I haven't tested out Muse yet but will do so
Tara Thiagarajan :More fundamentally I work on finding new ways of identifying meaningful structure in
the signal.
Ariel Garten: Fantastic Tara, if you'd like to apply Muse to your research, we have an educational
discount as well, just email me (that goes for all the researchers and clinicals here- happy to support your
work)
Tara Thiagarajan: That's great. We'll definitely email you and try it out.
Per Moe: Hi My name is Per Moe and I am working on creating a program for senior citizens in Norway.
Ariel Garten: Welcome to the conversation Per!
Per Moe: Thanks Ariel, FYI, I am getting a Muse ASAP!
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
5 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Marie Stoner: Per, this is an interest of mine....I'm working on a program for an independent living facility
of seniors in Nashville Tn., I'd be happy to chat [email protected]
Ariel Garten: Awesome!!!!
[email protected]:@Tara @ Ariel We have setup a brain lab - for clinical trials and research ,
evaluating technology suitable for our services. This research is being conducted by clinical neurologists
and therapists. I would really appreciate some help EEG space, if possible..
Dr. Dharma: Marie, Were doing research on brain enhancement and AD prevention in independent
living Dharma
Tara Thiagarajan: Srini, where are you based?
[email protected]: We are in Austin TX
Per Moe: I like that Maria. My email is [email protected]
Tara Thiagarajan: @Srini, happy to connect to see how we can collaborate. I have a collaboration at
Johns Hopkins where we analyze some of their clinical data.
[email protected]: Great , please let me know your email ID
Tara Thiagarajan:[email protected]
Ariel Garten: @srini @tara, happy to join the conversation, [email protected]
[email protected]: Thank you Ariel
Marie Stoner: Dr. Dharma and Per, I've noted your emails, will be in touch. Dr. Dharma, am familar with
your work and its importance to brain health. In one of my roles, I work with Andy Newberg at the
Integrative Medicine Center at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philly.
Dr. Dharma: MArie, Awesome. Andy is great. WERE STUDYING kk IN INDEPENDENT LIVING IN
CENTERS IN w vA AS PART OF A uwv STUDY. Sorry for the messy type.
Alvaro Fernandez: Hello everyone, it's very fun to see all of you so engaged :-) Need to prepare next
session (in 10 minutes)...talk to you later!
Dr. Dharma: Great job Alvaro.. Most excellent! Dharma
Steve Quan: Hi everyone - sorry I'm late to the party. I'm Steve Quan, a colleague of Anita's at Rosetta
Stone, but I'm probably the least academic/scientific person on the chat. I head up Rosetta Stone's BD &
Strategic Partnerships team. From a quick skim - looks like Anita's got some interesting things to explore.
To the extent anyone is interested in using Fit Brains as part of a study or clinical project, please don't
hesitate to reach out to me ([email protected]), or Anita, or Mark Baxter who was a speaker
during one of today's sessions.
Aki Nikolaidis:@Steve- thanks
Matthew Shane:@Steve/Anita/Mark: Will be in touch; have some questions re how partnerships may
work.
Gerard Jacob: Steve, thanks, will plan to follow up with you
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Looking forward to it Matthew.
Alvaro Fernandez: 3-minute warning before we go to next session!
Steve Quan: @Matthew and @Gerald -- looking forward to hearing from you both. Short answer - we're
flexible, and open to exploring a variety of activities and collaboration models.
Gerard Jacob: Super, thanks.
Alvaro Fernandez: 30-seconds
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Bye!
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
6 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
b) Chatbox to the right
Alvaro Fernandez 2: Any strong reactions to something you heard today? What has surprised you the
most?
Douglas Ziedonis: Great sharing of ideas - from the latest technology to practical strategies for self or
organization
Dr. Dharma: tremendous advances in technology
Dr. Dharma: for dr jewell, Lets connect some time after conference.?? Dharma
[email protected]: Hello Drs Ziedonis and Dharma...wonderful and intersting presentations..would
liek to connect and discuss more about your work for space health and wellness for astronauts
Dr. Dharma: Great look forward to it. Dr Dharma
Maseena Ziegler: Dr Dharma and Dr Jewell, would like to connect with you both after for a quote on a
possible story for Forbes
Douglas Ziedonis: Hi Dr. Jewell -- yes let's connect. Great presentation. Also - Dr. Charma. my email
[email protected]: Ariel , I am interested in testing the Interaxon device in the upcoming analog
astronaut missions..
Nikhil:Absolutely, Dr. Dharma. I'm just reading "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Pramahansa Yogananda,
which articulates several of the principles you outlined in today's presentation. Speaking of the
advancement of technology, it's interesting that Steve Jobs left this book as a departing gift at his funeral.
Aki Nikolaidis:I was really impressed by the size of the databases that Lumosity and Rosetta Stone-
great resources for cognitive science
Dr. Dharma: For Maseena Wonderful.. best email for me [email protected].
Ariel Garten: We've actually explored doing work with commercial astronauts, happy to talk.
Ariel Garten:[email protected]
[email protected]: Wonderful..here is my
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Mariapaola Barbato: I was extremely excited in hearing the work of Dr. Adam Gazzaley
Dr. Dharma: Hello Maseena, may I havve your email please Dr Dharma
Maseena Ziegler: [email protected]
Dr. Dharma: Nakhil, Yes Steve Jobs was very deep. Dharma
[email protected]: I would like to also connect with Dr Thomas Insel...NIMH...especially on the
Brain Initiative and Connectome projects and its applications for space and extreme environments
Maseena Ziegler: Dr Ziedonis, may be contacting you too - hope this is fine :)
Douglas Ziedonis: Thanks Dr. Ziegler - yes let'
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone:@Aki - Yes, I'm new here coming from a cog. psych. and cog. neuro.
research-type background. The amount of data is humbling.
Douglas Ziedonis: Massena - I see your email and will follow-up.
Dr. Dharma: For Anita Bowles, I will contact you. We are fluent in Italian, French and Spanish. I see your
email. Mine is above .
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Thank you Dr. Dharma.
Nikhil:T hank you for the deliberate pause in your talk, Dr. Ziedonis. Was nice to help dial in even more
to the great insights coming out today.
Aki Nikolaidis :@Anita- Agreed- I think it would be really great to get some Structural Equation Modeling
done on that data
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
7 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Aki Nikolaidis: @Anita-I was really impressed to see what you guys are doing
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone:@Aki - let's talk. You have my e-mail?
Aki Nikolaidis: I see it :-)
Aki Nikolaidis: Absolutely
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Awesome. :)
Douglas Ziedonis: Thanks Nikhil - appreciate your thoughtfulness and feedback
Aki Nikolaidis: I'll reach out!
Aki Nikolaidis: @Dr. Dharma -chanting meditation techniques really make sense for inducing calm
states- Great talk- I really enjoyed it!
Nikhil: No problem! I also liked the mountain image -- reminded me of Jon Kabat-Zinn's guided
meditations :-)
Dr. Dharma: For Aki, Thank you so much Discover more at www.alzzheimnersprevention.org/research
Dr. Dharma: oops only one Z www.alzheimersprevention.org.
[email protected]:Dr Dharma: pleased listen to you. Thank you for the wonderful presentation.
Aki Nikolaidis: Thank you- Meditation is what actually convinced me to study neuroscience :-)
Ariel Garten: And Aki, neuroscience is what brought me to study meditation!
Aki Nikolaidis :@Dharma- it's great to see your foundation applying meditation techniques so broadly-
I'm inspired by the level of social change
Aki Nikolaidis: @Ariel- haha thats great!
[email protected]:@Ariel Garten: I have tested many EEG headsets and Ariel I think "Muse" is
the friendliest BCI :)
Aki Nikolaidis: I practice Vipassana meditation- meditation is a neuroplasticity inducing training
technique that I really believe in!!
Ariel Garten: Thankyou Sri! We spent years optomizing not just the technical capabilities, but the human
factor- creating something that would fit into our daily lives and habits
Aki Nikolaidis: Intellectual Knowledge < Experiential Knowledge
Gerard Jacob: Aki, your work is fascinating, and I appreciate the rigor you bring to this field through your
research.
Aki Nikolaidis: Thank you Gerard :-)
Aki Nikolaidis: There is so much room for growth here- I could talk for hours about all the things we
DONT know yet-
Aki Nikolaidis: we've got a long way to go :-)
Gerard Jacob: Yes, but one starfish at a time, right?
[email protected]: My interested in the study of source & validation of knowledge -
Epistemology , concept development in children and education got me interested in
applying neuroscientific technology in this area.
Gerard Jacob: Aki, I also appreciate the fact that you are a gamer and bring practical experience? to
your work!
Aki Nikolaidis: Thanks- I think that the AAA gaming companies should be getting in on this space
Aki Nikolaidis: i think theres potential here to use psychological/cognitive perspectives to make the
games more challenging and engaging- to both increase transfer and increase the immersive experience
Gerard Jacob :Not asking for formal analytics here...but do you see an impact in your own gaming from
any neurocognitive training, etc?
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Do bioneurofeedback games exist for training meditation on say, the
Xbox?
John H Cammack 2: Does anyone have a view on the best games to use in public schools to build
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
8 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
executive function in skills? And can the game be classified for use by age group?
Aki Nikolaidis: @Gerard- honestly I think that Project Gotham Racing- that I played extensively when I
was a young teen- helped me understand the basics of driving really quick when I got my driver's permit
at 15
Aki Nikolaidis: the physics engine was very realistic-
Matthew Shane: I don't believe so Anita - very little in that space at this point.
Gerard Jacob: Exactly, and to be candid, as the father of teenagers, I am at a loss as to why there is not
a more widespread application of gaming in driver training, both for kids and for others - the elderly,
professional drivers, etc
Aki Nikolaidis: @Anita- Nintendo seems to have an interest in this space- I've seen some meditation
training stuff- but not on the neurofeedback level
Aki Nikolaidis: @Gerard- that's a great point!
Jon Pratlett: Any of you working on helping people induce a flow state with or without technology?
Gerard Jacob: I'd like to follow up with you to hear more of your perspective on all of this
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone:Interesting, I was just wondering since I don't follow that area and now
there are all of these single or few sensor EEG headsets out
Aki Nikolaidis:@Gerard- actually that would be a pretty fertile area of research
Gerard Jacob: exactly!
Aki Nikolaidis: my lab does driving research
Per Moe: @Dr Dharma, I think during last years summit, you suggested that the mediterranean diet was
good for brain health. Is that still your advice? I am wondering due to all the reading I have come across
that promotes a more LFHC diet.
Aki Nikolaidis: Mostly on driver distraction- I'm not directly involved, but that's a great point- I'll tell them
to think about i!
Gerard Jacob: exactly! and wth lots of readily-available subjects and data
Gerard Jacob: You're in IL, correct?
Aki Nikolaidis: Yup- we've got a Toyota Corolla inside a "Cave" with big screens all around it
Gerard Jacob: that
Aki Nikolaidis: At the Illinois Simulator Lab
Dr. Dharma: Hi Per, What exactly is LFHC ? Thx
Gerard Jacob: That's great
Matthew Shane: Anita: Does Rosetta do any work with regard to strengthening the 'emotional brain'?
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Hi Matthew. I am new here, but not as far as I know.
Gerard Jacob: is anyone at your institute/dept doing research to private-sector transfer?
Aki Nikolaidis: @Gerard- like training on the job?
Matthew Shane: I'm interested in cognitive skill training, but also interested in emotional skill training.
Not meditation per se - more along the lines of emotional intelligence.
Per Moe: Dr. Dharam it is High Fat Low Carb
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone:@Matthew - That's really interesting.
Aki Nikolaidis: @Gerard- At the moment, nothing I know if- but we've done work with training in the FAA,
and Israeli Air force in the past
Aki Nikolaidis: @Matthew Shane- Emotional regulation training is really interesting!
Gerard Jacob:N o, I mean licensing or transferring research findings and tech for private sector startups
etc
Aki Nikolaidis: @Matthew- and a really underdeveloped field in cognitive training
Matthew Shane: Yes Aki - I'm doing a bunch of emotion regulation work in the lab
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
9 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Gerard Jacob Matthew, is that your own area of work - EI?
Matthew Shane: But I agree: it doesn't seem to have transferred to anything commercial yet
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone:@Matthew @Aki - So, I'm thinking about executive control training and
whether this will transfer to emotional regulation.
Matthew Shane:@Gerard: No, not EI per se - but that's a close approximation :)
Aki Nikolaidis: @Gerard- oh- Yes- not myself- but others in lab have helped developed Brain Baseline,
and a game that hasn't come to market yet
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: You could imagine a situation where you have (1) top down emotional
regulation training (2) regulation of underlying levels of anxiety, etc. and 3) training on recognizing signals
from other's faces, voices.
Matthew Shane:@Anita: I anticipate it would to some extent. We have some data that indicates that you
require executive control in order to regulate your emotions
Aki Nikolaidis: @Anita @Matthew- I think there's so much potential here
Gerard Jacob: Matthew, sorry I missed your affiliation...
Matthew Shane:@Anita: I've actually done some very similar work with substance abusers. We asked
them to increase their anterior cingulate response OR decrease their reward system response, to cues for
cocaine
Aki Nikolaidis: @Matthew & @Anita- huge potential for children- who often have lots of behavioral
issues because of emotional regulation problems
Aki Nikolaidis: @Matthew- Do you know Colin DeYoung?
Gerard Jacob: Aki-Brain Baseline - is that more of a clinical or diagnostic product?
Dr. Dharma: Per, Thats what I thought. Ive always been into the low carb concept, especially no simple
sugars. I also like a high protein diet especially if one exercises. As far as research goes the med diet is
still the only one proven. And btw it is a great diet. The high fat concept is there but at the moment while
alot of it makes sense it hasnt been studied to my knowledge. The FINGER study done in Finlan in 1200
people used a med type of diet. It should risk reduction and AD prevention. Im not sure I totally agree that
"butter is back!"
Matthew Shane: Aki: He was in my grad lab at U of T :)
Aki Nikolaidis: @Gerard- I think it's a diagnostic product for the iPad
Matthew Shane:@Gerard: University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
Aki Nikolaidis:@Matthew- he was my postdoc while I was at Yale- he's a great guy!
Gerard Jacob: Matthew, I am close to a psychiatrist/researcher in Dallas with whom I've been discussing
substance abuse and brain work
Stephen Barnard 3: Matthew, some early outcome data at the clinical program I run showed on
pre/posts tests that "social acuity" and "executive control" seemed linked....very small "n" but interesting
anyway
Gerard Jacob: He's at Univ of Texas Southwestern Medical
Matthew Shane:@Anita: I think the regulation of anxiety is a big one. I've been doing some work looking
at the response of anxious individuals to indication of their own mistakes.
Alexandra Krisztofer: Helo everyone, I'm a Cognitive Trainer an Wellness Coach from New York,
working w/ early stage Alzheimer's, MCI and Fronto Temporal Dementia clients. Beside my group brain
training and brain fitness program that I've deleveloped based on my Neuropsychology postgraduate
education and working with stroke patients at a Stroke Neurorehab center in Hungary, I also use the
CogniFit and the Happy Neuron programs. I
Matthew Shane: I actually work primarily with antisocial populations, who tend to experience very little of
certain emotions
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
10 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Matthew Shane: My primary interest is in trying to better develop their emotional systems - fear, guilt,
shame, empathy
Aki Nikolaidis: @Gerard- Are you with Wellfirst health?
Gerard Jacob: Matthew do you know Jocelyn Faubert?
Matthew Shane: @Gerard: No, I don't - should I? :)
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Ah, so that's even more interesting. So, can this type of training serve
as an intervention for people with dissociative or sociopathic tendencies.
Steve Quan:@Matthew - hi, I'm Steve Quan, a colleague of Anita's at Rosetta Stone, but in the BD &
Strategic Partnerships team. We haven't formally done anything in the emotional space, but we have
talked to others about incorporating some SEL (social emotional learning) concepts in our kids/K-12
products. I do believe the folks at Brain Resources Inc. / MyBrainSolutions have done some good work in
this area
Gerard Jacob: Aki - Yes, that's one of my orgs
Alvaro Fernandez: Hello everyone, it's very fun to see all of you so engaged :-) Need to prepare next
session (in 10 minutes)...talk to you later!
Matthew Shane:@Aki: Yes, Colin is awesome. We still work together, off and on. (More off, but for no
reason other than we're both busy)
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Hi Steve! Thanks for that!
Aki Nikolaidis:@Gerard- great!
Gerard Jacob: Matthew, he is at Univ of Montreal
Matthew Shane:@Anita: That's the goal, yes. My 'pet population' are psychopathic individuals.
Aki Nikolaidis: @Matthew- checking out your work on google scholar- very cool!
Gerard Jacob: leads a lab in the neuro-perceptual-cognitive arena
Gerard Jacob: and is CSO at Cognisens
Matthew Shane:@Steve: Thanks for the info! As I expected - I think it's likely an under-populated space
at present.
Tara Thiagarajan:@Matthew I would love to collaborate on analyzing data from your patients if you
would be open to that. Can give you more about what I do offline but gist is that we have colelcted data
from hundreds of people and are looking at diffs across populations.
Gerard Jacob: We were together last week and I think you should know those folks
Tara Thiagarajan: Using EEG.
Matthew Shane:@Aki: Blushing. The majority of my regulation-related work is just hitting the presses.
Keep your eye out over the next 6-12 months.
Gerard Jacob: great work and productive technology transfer there
Matthew Shane:@Tara: Happy to chat: [email protected]
Aki Nikolaidis: @Matthew- sounds good- psychiatric populations have lots of potential because their
etiologies have been so well characterized (depending on disorder)
Tara Thiagarajan: Thanks Matthew. Will get in touch. I'm [email protected]
Per Moe: Thanks, Dr. Dharma, It is so interesting learning about diet and how it relates to brain healh
both for function and optimal aging.
Matthew Shane: Looking him up now Gerard.
Gerard Jacob: Great
Alvaro Fernandez:3-minute warning before we go to next session!
Aki Nikolaidis: @Per Moe & @Dharma- A lot of people at UofI are investigating that question
Aki Nikolaidis: Abbot Nutrition has given us a $50 Million grant to set up the Center for Nutrition,
Learning, and Memory
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
11 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Aki Nikolaidis: Thought you might be interested :-)
Tara Thiagarajan: @Aki where is the Center for Nutrition?
Gerard Jacob: Excellent. Ongrats Aki, and keep up the good work
Aki Nikolaidis: At the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Gerard Jacob: Congrats
Nikhil: Definitely looking forward to seeing the results of the study from that grant, Aki!
Matthew Shane:@Aki: 50 million, that's all? :)
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: :-)
Aki Nikolaidis: @haha ;-P
Gerard Jacob: Matt, you should talk, you guys in CA have all that govt funding!
Alvaro Fernandez: 30-seconds
Tara Thiagarajan: @Aki, is it interdisciplinary or part of one particular school/dept?
Anita Bowles from Rosetta Stone: Bye!
Matthew Shane:@Gerard: I wish! All my funding is currently from NIH.
Aki Nikolaidis: @Tara- it's very interdisciplinary
Gerard Jacob: Talk to Jocelyn!
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
12 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
OCTOBER 29th
a) Chatbox to the left
Alvaro Fernandez: Please introduce yourself. Where are you based, what are you working on?
Matthew Shane: Greetings from Toronto - doing mostly emotion regulation work out here, in healthy and
clinical populations.
[email protected]: Great presentaions, Alvaro ! Congratulations for all these successful
sessions !
Mariangeles Quiroga-Estevez: hello everyone, I'm far away.... at home is 10pm.... but before going to
sleep I would lke to know if someone can help be to learn how to work with big data bases
Mariangeles Quiroga-Estevez: my research is on intelligence and videogames...
Stephen Barnard:I am running "neuroenhancement program" at CooperRiis in Asheville. Using QEEG,
various bio- and neuro-feedback modalities, posit science, etc, in the context of program that focuses on
exercise and good nutrition
William Ryan: I am excited to see the emergence of the stress/sleep/cognitve function paradigm
reaching an integrated approach within the digital health technologies we are seeing this week.
Myles Schwartz: I am a clinical neuropsychologist, board certified since 1995, retired from the VA and
working in nursing homes. Just started a small private practice in Albany NY emphasizing the use of
biofeedback, neurofeedback, mindful practices, So much exciting cutting-edge things happening now .
William Ryan: If possible, @Alex Doman, I would love to hear of Sleep Genius and Advanced Brain
plans in the EEG wearable arena, especially since you mention you have ZEO lead technologist onboard.
Beth Frates: I am Beth the person who presented on the lifestyle medicine curriculum, using The
SharpBrains Guide. Is anyone interested in a lifestyle medicine class?
Jonathan Cowan: I'm Dr. Jon Cowan. I am working on developing and marketing neurofeedback
systems, located outside of Louisville, KY. One of our products, the Peak BrainHappiness Trainer,
incorporates a new approach that appears to be able to improve both positive feelings and memory. We
think this 40 Hz. feedback, called Neureka!, is associated with the brain's dopamine system. One
important relationship that is not frequently mentioned is that the happier people are now, the healthier
they will be later. This type of training could improve overall health in the population.
Beth Frates: That is a great idea. Connecting the happy and healthy--Jon.
Cynthia Green: This is Cynthia Green, founder and president of Total Brain Health. @ Beth, I would be
very interested in connecting.
William Ryan: Jonathan, that sounds interesting. Look forward to looking at your technology --
Beth Frates: Cynthia--wonderful. My email is [email protected]
Cynthia Green: my email is [email protected].
Cynthia Green: Great!
Beth Frates: Great.
Beth Frates: I am also on LinkedIn. Are you?
Jonathan Cowan: There's a meta-analysis published by Ed Diener, which showed that 157 out of 160
studies support that relationship.
Beth Frates: Elizabeth Pegg Frates, MD for LinkedIn
Cynthia Green: Yes -- Cynthia R Green Ph.D.
William Ryan: Beth, Alvaro will setup a participant LinkedIN group to discuss all of the presentations.
Jonathan Cowan: Happiness also enhances future success.
Beth Frates: Jon--I will look at that study by Diener. This week I teach on positive emotions, laughter
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
13 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
and gratitude. That study could be handy....
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2: I'd like to introduce myself... I'm lynn Steffes,PT, DPT and Founder of BrainyEx
which is an Exercise & wellness based program designed for the Physical Therapy Market space.
Beth Frates: William-thank you. I did not know that.
Jonathan Cowan :Bill, our website is www.brainhappiness.com
Cynthia Green:@ Jonathan Cowan are you familiar with the Rush study on sense of purpose and
reduced dementia risk?
Frank Schulze 2: Hi, I’m Frank from Germany. My company provides a tool for computer based cognitive
therapy. I’m working in Germany since 25 years in this field, our therapy modules are specialized in
treatment of severe cognitive deficits. Please look for evidence at www.rehacom.us.I want to invite you to
meet me at Neuroscience conference in Washington DC or ASHA conference in Orlando. Both
conferences are next month (Nov.).For details please chat or write me an
email [email protected]
[email protected]: @Dr John Cowan, will be interested to connect with you as we are
evaluating some of the BCI/neurofeedback devices for our business.
William Ryan: Thanks, Jon.
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2: I have a family history of Alzheimers and began researching prevention &
wellness strategies after traveling a long journey with BOTH of my parents with little hope offered by the
healthcare community!
Selwyn Super: I am an emeritus professor in optometry and psychology with a background as a neuro-
optometrist and neuropsychologist with a post doctoral fellowship in multivariate neurocognitive
development. My masrers degree is in educational psychology concerns the effects of a LEARNING
READINESS PROGRAM ON THE perceptual development OF THE FIRST GRADER, and my doctorate
is on stereopsis and its educatrional significance . My preent role is as a chief scientific director of a start
up company EYECARROT. Its mission is to develop human thinking at a global level, and more
specifically to focus on the relationship between vision, mind and body to improve human performance.
Jonathan Cowan: Beth, I'll send it to you. Cynthia, no I'm not. Please say more.
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2: I'm interested in learning more about funding for prevention programs!
Sherrie All: Cynthia - I was thinking Beth would be a good contact for you (and me) when listening to her
presentation - weird synchronicity
Cynthia Green: It would be interesting to see if some of the larger longitudinal studies have data that
would factor to a "happiness" scale. Bob Wilson has also published some findings out of that database
looking at loneliness and demonstrating a significnat increase in risk.
Cynthia Green:@ Sherrie great minds :)
Beth Frates: Sherrie and Cynthia---we will connect.
Cynthia Green :So Jonathan essentially in a large longitudinal database they identified a 7 item scale
that indicated sense of purpose. Those scoring high on the scale had a significantly lower associated risk
for dementia
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2: Beth Frates' presentation was EXCELLENT! I would love to host a course on
lifestyle Medicine as it relates to Brain-Body Health
Cynthia Green: cool right? Ping me off-line I can find you the reference
Sherrie All: Lynn - I was excited to see the credentials behind your name - I was excited to see a DPT
involved this year
Jonathan Cowan: I think that patient happiness should be a covariate for most long-term studies.
Beth Frates: Lynn--my email is [email protected]
[email protected]: website : treating learning disabilities http://karnikinstitute.com contact
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
14 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2: Being a PT I am strogly biased toward activity for brain enhancement... My e-
mail: [email protected]
Beth Frates: Wonderful. It is nice to be among kindred spirits.
Frank Schulze 2:@Selwyn Super: RehaCom too provides tools for saccadic training, exploration training
and modern vision restorative therapy (hemianopia...)
Cynthia Green: @ Jonathan -- interesting idea. At a talk I gave recently in Houston on brain health, an
attendee came up to me and remarked "so basically you are telling us to make sure we still have fun."
Great line, right?
Beth Frates:C ynthia--I love that line!
Cynthia Green: @ Beth, me too!
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2:Beth- see www.brainyEX.com
Beth Frates: Ok
Beth Frates: Thanks.
Jonathan Cowan: We also have a neurofeedback protocol that enhances single pointed focus, which
could be very good for PT. You've got to focus on it before you move it.
Sherrie All: Hi Frank! Great to see you here. I'm still waiting with baited breath to use RehaCom with
my outpatients!
Frank Schulze 2: Thanks for trying!
Frank Schulze 2: If you need anything contact me or Carl! Greetings to Chicago...
Sherrie All: Of course! We will get there. As I've said before to you, which I think is worth sharing with
the rest of the group, as a provider what I really like about RehaCom is the back-end control of task
assignment and the performance feedback I get (similar to Cogmed) - I really wish other companies
would invest in this
Sherrie All: And greetings to Germany right?
Carol Coutant: I'd like to introduce myself - carol coutant, PT - and I'm intrigued to read about all the
newly developing tools being referenced in this chat! My PT background has led me to develop a
workplace wellness program that included 5 basic pillars of wellness. I'm taking notes of many of the
programs mentioned here to see if we might be able to incorporate them - exciting stuff !
Jonathan Cowan: Fun is really important. Even more so is excited happiness, since it combines
dopamine stimulation with norepinephrine-mediated arousal. Both enhance memory and cognitive
function. I saw Paul McCartney last night and had a big dose of excited happiness!
Cynthia Green:@ Jonathan Cowan -- lol
William Ryan: Jon, any commentary on the tcDs and the potential to activate these dopamine
pathways?
Cynthia Green: but absolutely.
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 3:Cynthia- Love your website & offerings!
Cynthia Green:Thanks Lynn! Are you a BrainyEX provider?
Jonathan Cowan:Bill, are you talking about the tricyclics or ?
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 3:Carol- I would love to connect offline too!
Cynthia Green:We are just wrappiing up a certification training in our Total Memory Workout program.
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 3:Yes I am the founder!
Carol Coutant:lynn, my email is [email protected].
Teri Barr: I agree fun is a major component to brain health. I've been teaching brain health for 7 years
now and creating a classroom environement that is fun , informtive and very social keeps seniors coming
back.
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
15 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Cynthia Green: aha! We should network, I'd love to talk -- [email protected].
Cynthia Green: Hi Teri!
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 3: Agreed!
Teri Barr: Hi Cynthia, I'm still in Oakland, Ca. teaching lots of older adults and trying to keep up with all
the literature.
Cynthia Green: Its nice to "see" you!
Teri Barr: I think there needs to be more space for educators to bring this information to the public either
in a medical setting or outside of one. California was ahead of the curve including brain health in our
older adult classes until 2008 when budgect cuts obliterated adult ed for seniors.
William Ryan: @Jon, have to step away -- get in touch with you offline after looking through your site
and more literature. TCDS, TMS -- direct and indirect electrical or magnetic stimulation for specific
activation or de-activation in the various brain architectures. There are direct stimulation of 'happiness
responses'. Will have to look up resource .
Cynthia Green:@Teri -- There is no question that funding is a significant issue in bringing these
programs, many which fall under health promotion, to the public. Its one of the reasons we did the new
toolkit line -- to make programs that were more affordable for sites with limited resources to offer.
Teri Barr: I'm still looking for venues that will make this information accessable to all (low)income
Teri Barr: seniors
Sherrie All: Carol & Lynn - I'd love to connect with both of you afterwards as well. I've made a calendar
appointment to email each of you in January as I am due to start a LOA any day now (expecting twins)
Carol Coutant: @teri - I'm limited with that group due to limited online access/accumen. One to one
works well but not very efficient/1
Frank Schulze 2:@Sherrie: Great news!
Jonathan Cowan: @ Bill, we are just publishing a study combining rTMS and Neureka! and Focus
Neurofeedback Training for autism with some nice results.
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2: BrainyEx is designed to be cash based & easy for exercise
professionals/trainers to host other than the assessment portion- stll interested in funding so it is more
accessible!
Carol Coutant: @sherri - sounds great! your life if about to make a big shift! best wishes for a smooth,
healthy delivery!
Lynn Steffes,PT, DPT 2: Sherrie! Sounds great!
Sherrie All: Who am I you ask (Carol & Lynn) & why connect? Here is the website for my
clinic. www.cogwellness.com I'm a neuropsychologsit in Chicago with footing in brain health for a few
years now, with some work in program development
Cynthia Green: @ Sherrie -- wow that date is fast approaching! How did that happen? lol
Sherrie All: Thanks Frank! I forgot you didn't know already - happended just after we met - babies
arriving Monday or sooner
Sherrie All: Life speeds up faster and faster every day, right Cynthia?
Carol Coutant: @sherri - bookmarking your site as well - might be interesting to see how our TREAD
delivery system might be able to incorporate your tools. will look forward to connecting!
Cynthia Green: @ Sherrie I think that's absolutely correct. If we don't touch base before, all best for a
safe and healthy delivery. Can't wait to see the pics!
Sherrie All: Thanks!! This talk about my personal life has me wondering - anyone here involved in brain
health for younger folks? Mommy brain, peak performance, etc?
Cynthia Green: @ Lynn I like your site as well. Look forward to taking a closer look. Are you going to be
at ICAA by any chance?
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
16 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Cynthia Green: @ Sherrie -- I've given a number of presentations on that topic over the years. But
nothing more than you probably know.
Cynthia Green: @ Jonathan -- I'm taking a look at your site and will mark it for later. Btw are you familar
with happier.com? Its video based, appears to be short training sessions in exercise, meditation, positive
self-efficacy, etc.
Sherrie All: Cynthia - I'm more interested in the types of venues or programs that have experienced any
type of success in this area - I feel like the industry is so focused on older adults that a whole big
demographic gets overlooked (except for workplace wellness, which may be the best we can do), and I
can understand why the younger demographic is behind, but I just love "my" demographic and wondered
if anyone was working on anything innovative or experienced any success in this area
Alvaro Fernandez:Sorry I can't join the fun, too much work here in the background to get everything
running smoothly :-)
Alvaro Fernandez 3:Need to go prepare final session of today, will do my best to engage during final
watercooler session tomorrow, and then via LinkedIn group. Thank you all for participating!
Frank Schulze 2: @Alvaro: Thank you for great work!
Cynthia Green:@ Sherrie -- One person to connect with would be Deb Raybold at Brainworks out of
Memorial Hospital in South Bend IN. They have a birth - long life model, including engagement for new
parents.
Cynthia Green:I can connect you off-line when you are back in January.
Sherrie All: Cool, thanks Cynthia! I will look her up, and of course I look forward to continuing our
convos in January!
Cynthia Green: I have to sign off -- but if anyone is planning to attend the ICAA/ABA Conference in
Orlando Nov 13-15, would love to connect.
Teri Barr: Sherrie you might look at Carol Dweck's work . She's at Stanford. You can read her
book "Mindset" as well.
Cynthia Green: @ Teri -- I just got it -- now just need time to read it :)
Cynthia Green: bye folks!
Alvaro Fernandez 3:5-minutes before we move to next session.
b) Chatbox to the right
Alvaro Fernandez 2: Any strong reactions to something you heard today? What has surprised you the
most?
Per Moe: Thanks for the information about Nutrition, Aki!
William Ryan: I agree that their are gems within all the sessions. Thanks to all the presenters.
Cynthia Green: Hello Alvaro and all. Just able to get on for today's session, interesting information.
Matthew Shane: Alvaro: I haven't been able to watch all of the sessions that I was hoping to: do you
know when they'll be made available online?
Cynthia Green: Aki do you work with the folks at Beckman at all?
Cynthia Green: Hi Sherrie!
Sherrie All: Hi Cynthia! Hi Alvaro - great meeting as always! Aki I second Cynthia's question - would be
great to meet you - I'm in chicago
Cynthia Green: I agree with @William Ryan, nice to see a more integrated focus
[email protected]: Hello Aki, it was great to listen to you... I would be very interested to talk to
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
17 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
you about nutrition as we are setting up an online dispensary for nutrtion. Do you mind sharing your
contact? My email id is [email protected]
Alvaro Fernandez 2: Matthew, need to leave now a bit -- will announce later, all recordings will be
available on Monday (we need to review/ optimize quality)
Myles Schwartz: Looking forward to the recordings - so sorry that I have to miss so many
presentations, Everything I have listened to has been excellent.
Matthew Shane: Pretty quiet in here today...
Ronald Figueroa: Hello Everyone. Is Dr. Elizabeth Pegg Frates here?
Carol Coutant: Beth Frates is on chat 4 now
Alvaro Fernandez 3:5-minutes before we move to next session
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
18 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
OCTOBER 30TH
a) Chatbox to the left
Alvaro Fernandez: Please introduce yourself. Where are you based, what are you working on?
Michael Meagher: Michael Meagher from Cogniciti. Thank you for joining today. If you would like to
follow up re Cogniciti my email is [email protected]
Nikhil Sriraman: Thank you for the talk, Michael! Very insightful (and important service you're providing
to your targeted demography)
Katherine Johnson: I’m interested in networking with others who want to change the education system,
where people with learning disabilities change their brain in schools rather than schools expecting them to
learn. www.pyramidofpotential.com and www.brainadvancementteam.com or email me
at [email protected]. I’m based in Saratoga Springs, NY, but reach world-wide with
books, videos, and information.
Matthew Shane 2: @Michael: Really great work with Cogniciti - I see a strong future there. I could have
a million questions, but I'll start with one: Do you think there is an "optimal" level of cognitve fitness? With
almost everything, theres' such thing as too much. Could that be true here too?
Matthew Shane 2:@Jessica: The labs trying to do work to evaluate brain changes associated with
cognitive training are equally desperate for funding. Have you considered academic/industry partnership
grants?
[email protected]: Hello everyone, I'm Elizabeth Amini, CEO of Anti-AgingGames.com
and Interactive Brain Training. If anyone is interested in continuing conversations about brain training,
particularly in the area of brain rehabilitation (but not limited to that area), please send your email to
[email protected] and I'll make sure you're included in future conversations and
meetings.
Michael Meagher: Matthew. Thank you for the kind words. Re your question of too much cognitive
health: we have not studied whether there are learning or social issues connected with people who score
very well (example: in the top 1%). Learning about the top end of the test takers would be a really
interesting addition to our study of those who score in the below normal range.
Jessica Poulin: Matthew we are currently looking into this types of grants, for example we are presenting
at the Gates Foundation in the coming weeks in the hopes of getting some funding there. Thanks for the
comment.
Per Moe:@Michael, thanks for your talk! Perhaps I missed this during your presentation, but I wonder if
there is a compendium for doctors that explains the findings from the assessment?
[email protected]: What we're working on right now is a suite of new games under
different brand names. Our games are developed by Nolan Bushnell the founder of Atari and a team of
world-class neurobehavioral experts. If anyone is looking for specific types of help , partnerships or
support, please list it and perhaps we can connect each other.
Matthew Shane 2:@Michael: I've been thinking about these issues quite a bit recently - not so much
from the pure cognitive perspective, rather from a more physiological perspective. Temperature has an
optimum range; heart rate can increase and decrease but has an optimum range. I feel that it would be of
great service to begin taking a similar perspective of brain health.
Nikhil Sriraman: Jessica, at what point does a learning deficit become severe enough where it makes
sense for the student to enroll in your program? For example, would it make sense for someone with a
mild version of ADHD to enroll, or is the Arrowsmith Program designed to address more severe
impairments?
Matthew Shane 2:@Michael: It could be true of the cognitive functions measured by Cogniciti, or of the
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
19 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
underlying neurophysiology. What, for instance, is an "optimum" amount of gray matter? Given limitations
of skull size, at what point does an increased cortex infringe on limbic regions (for instancE)
Roy Zahut: Hey everyone, I'm Roy, Lead scientis tof Peak (www.peak.net). We are always happy to
interact with people from academia and other parties in our line of business.
Jessica Poulin: Nikhil we have many students in the program with diagnosed ADD/ADHD and it has
benefitted them tremendously. Students do not need to be experiencing severe cognitive deficits to
benefit from this work.
Michael Meagher: Matthew. As you evolve your thinking keep us in mind. There might be a joint project
in the making.
Matthew Shane 2: I'm mostly right down the street Michael, so I may just do that. :)
Srini Raghavan:@katheriine Hi Katherine ,we are startup karnikinstitute.com - engaged in
treating/educating children with learning disabilities
Nikhil Sriraman: Great presentation, Roy. I enjoyed hearing about your data driven products (and can
quickly see the associated user benefits)
Srini Raghavan: Contact me at [email protected] visit : karnikinstitute.com for more info
Roy Zahut: thank you @NIkhil. We believe that through joint work, data can help us address many
issues regarding brain health
Nikhil Sriraman: Okay, good to know, Jessica. I have some relatives that I'd like to expose to the
program and, if appropriate, enroll. It helps to gain some insight into who the experience is useful for.
Alvaro Fernandez: Hello everyone! Fun Summit so far, right? Roy, Mike, Jessica, thank you for your
great sessions today!
Michael Meagher: My pleasure.
Roy Zahut: Yes, indeed some very interesting sessions. Can't wait for the recodings to be online already
so I can catch up on some presentations I've missed
Jessica Poulin: Thank you for the opportunity Alvaro
Alvaro Fernandez: Roy and Mike - you should talk to each other
Nikhil Sriraman: Interesting questions you pose, Matthew. It's very much along the lines of positive
psychology thinking (with a neurotechnology twist :-)
Nikhil Sriraman: Are you based in Ontario, Matthew?
Per Moe: Nikhil, I'll jump in with my two cents as an alum of Arrowsmith, I think Arrowsmith is valuable
for all learners. Especially now when there is so much that competes for attention, doing the exercises
keep the student on a single task, as well as improving the whole cognitive learning apparatus.
Matthew Shane 2: Thanks Nikhil - I think the questions *could* be in line with positive psychology
thinking, although I might prefer to consider them more agnostically. ;)
Alvaro Fernandez: Per, you're based in Norway? Ready for the winter :-)
Matthew Shane 2: And yes - I'm at UOIT in Oshawa.
Roy Zahut: @Michael Meagher, I didn't catch your introduction, can you elaborate a little about your line
of work?
Nikhil Sriraman: That's a great, testimonial Per Moe. It's great to hear first-hand accounts (and it makes
me more motivated to get my niece enrolled as soon as possible!)
Per Moe: Never, but it hasn't been that bad the last few years:)
Katherine Johnson: Srini, I would love to connect! I'm emailing you so that we can start seeing what we
can do together.
Katherine Johnson: Jessica, is there an email where I can contact you?
Per Moe: Best of luck to your niece, she is lucky to have you and your insights.
Srini Raghavan: Thank you Katherine...will look forward to your email.
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
20 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
Alvaro Fernandez: Roy, see comment by Srini over at the right chatbox
Jessica Poulin: Absolutely Katherine [email protected]
Katherine Johnson: Thank you Jessica
Jessica Poulin: Per, so great you could join in today!
Per Moe: Thanks Jessica, I am so grateful to Alvaro for the work he does and the information he
proviedes. Please say hi to all my dear friends at Arrowsmith!
Nikhil Sriraman: It looks like there's a strong Canadian contingency in today's Summit! Matthew,
Michael, Jessica and myself all hail from Ontario (althought I'm in DC right now working with Alvaro to put
on the Summit).
Alvaro Fernandez: Hello Per, thank YOU, and everyone, for joining :-)
Michael Meagher: Roy: we are the brain health business unit of Baycrest, a global research leader in the
area of memory and aging. Today I talked about an online cognitive assessment we launched 150 days
ago that is validated through clinical research, for adults ages 50 to 79, to answer the question "Is my
memory normal or should I see my doctor?" 27,000 assessments completed to date.
Matthew Shane 2: Yes, I noticed that Ontario has a very large contingent overall at this conference.
Perhaps the Baycrest / Arrowhead sponsorship.
Roy Zahut: Interesting, @Michael.
Roy Zahut: are the assessments proprietary for of baycrest or are based on some open standard (such
as NIH toolbox)
Nikhil Sriraman: It seems to evidence the large amount of activity and attention that's being given to
mental health and training in the region (and as we're seeing , in various locations all over the world)
Alvaro Fernandez: We have 5 minutes left, the LinkedIn group will help continue the conversation and
connections...
Matthew Shane 2:@Michael: Do you guys have any plans to expand beyond the memory domain?
Michael Meagher: Matthew: We're tackling a number of issues at Baycrest. All relate to brain health and
aging.
Alvaro Fernandez: LinkedIn group to continue this...please join if you haven't yet! http://goo.gl/sEk5v5
Alvaro Fernandez:W e need to wrap this up to make sure everyone gets a break..."see you" back in 55
minutes!
Alvaro Fernandez: Lunch break!
b) Chatbox to the right
Alvaro Fernandez: Any strong reactions to something you heard today? What has surprised you the
most?
Keiron Sparrowhawk: i echo the comments re the recordings. I've been working duringthe day here in
the UK and most nights, too!
Alvaro Fernandez: I know, Keiron :-) That's our priority tomorrow, to review/ optimize recordings and
make them available by Monday
Keiron Sparrowhawk: Alvaro, not really a surprise, but from the little i have managed to listen to, just
how optimistic everyone is and upbeat about this area. It's great to be working in such an exciting field.
Alvaro Fernandez: Yes, there's a huge opportunity, simply because status quo around brain health is so
inadequate...challenge is going to be how to grow in a sustainable manner, helping people access right
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
21 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
tools and see real benefits
Keiron Sparrowhawk: I was at premier public school in the UK this week and they said how "noble" our
work was in schools. And we are having fun, too!
Alvaro Fernandez: Next year, we rename it the Noble Summit :-)
Keiron Sparrowhawk: Targeting benefits... yes, if as an industry we ensure we do that, we will all rise
with the tide.
Srini Raghavan: I would be interested to know if anyone is spcialized in studies/generating metrics to
map cognitive traiing efficacy to real-world outcome. We are operating in this business domain. Any help
would be appreciated for pointers in this direction
Keiron Sparrowhawk: LOL, not yet Alvaro, but I do tell my advisors that I dont mind being in the
audience when they get the "Nobel" prize.
Roy Zahut: @Sirini, we are investiagting this matter as well.
Keiron Sparrowhawk: Srini, we are doing such work in education and business sectors, as well as in
clinical trials
Matthew Shane 2: Hi Srini: This is, of course, essential. What type of real-world outcomes are you
thinking about? I work primiarly with clinical/forensic populations, which certainly provide their own version
of real-world metrics.
Roy Zahut: Can you guys give an example of real world outcomes that are used today in research?
Alvaro Fernandez: Matthew - exactly, the metrics that matter are going to depend based on target
population and outcomes.
Alvaro Fernandez: Roy: safer driving, measured by crash rates
Matthew Shane 2:@Roy: I think it's going to vary greatly, depending on your population/question of
interest
Keiron Sparrowhawk: Roy, for example in clinical trials with Schizophrenia patinets, we are asking
before and after our intervention if its possible for them to be employed or go to college
Srini Raghavan: @Keiron @Mathew : We are a startup karnikinstitute.com and we specialize in pediatric
neurology/cognitive training. Since it is about kids, we would like to map cognitive traiing to school
performance.
Matthew Shane 2:Safer driving is a good one. Drug abstinence in teens. Grades in school. There are
infinite metrics (which is the solution and problem)
Keiron Sparrowhawk: Srini, in schools we are working with recognised authorities to use skill based tests
alongside our cognitive health assesments to see if there is a transfer from our training
Matthew Shane 2:Which only begs the question: how do you measure productivity?
Roy Zahut: Exactly.
Alvaro Fernandez: Keiron, Schiz is indeed interesting. Is the US-led MATRICS process relevant over
there in the UK?
Alvaro Fernandez: For kids I'd like to see more measurement of math performance, for example.
Mediated by working memory
Keiron Sparrowhawk: Alvaro, it is from a regulatory point of view, but payers do not see it as very
relevant
Matthew Shane 2: Yes, math and reading performance, perhaps
Keiron Sparrowhawk: Many companies have productivity built into their "dashboards". we have spoken
about linking our training to that.
Srini Raghavan: My email IS : [email protected] ...I would really appreciate if there are
papers or info about such studies/with clinical trials. We are also providing evidence based integrative
approach to LD issues. So please feel free to contact me and share white papers/studies with your
SharpBrains Summit Watercooler chats 2014
22 | D O N O T D I S T R I B U T E . C H A T S ( L I G H T L Y E D I T E D T O R E F L E C T P R I V A C Y C O N C E R N S ) I N T E N D E D T O B E S H A R E D O N L Y W I T H
P A R T I C I P A N T S @ 2 0 1 4 S H A R P B R A I N S V I R T U A L S U M M I T
contact ID.
Matthew Shane 2: I'm actually as interested in social/emotional skills as I am cognitive ones. I think this
remains a missing link in the field.
Keiron Sparrowhawk: But also many companies are concerned about burnout, reducing absenteism,
sickness, which is measurable.
Alvaro Fernandez: We have 5 minutes left, the LinkedIn group will help continue the conversation and
connections...
Alvaro Fernandez: Matthew, you're right. That's why we incorporated meditation and biofeedback
matters to the agenda...but tough to prioritize
Srini Raghavan: @Alvaro...great point on the math/attention/working memory. Any help in this direction
will be great !
Matthew Shane 2:@Alvaro: Indeed, you absolutely did! And I think the meditation work is important.
Perhaps only one piece of the emotional puzzle though (ie. meditation / emotional intelligence / emotional
regulation aren't fully overlapping skill sets)
Alvaro Fernandez: Srini, check out work by Tracy Alloway, good entry point
Alvaro Fernandez: LinkedIn group to continue this...please join if you haven't yet! http://goo.gl/sEk5v5
Alvaro Fernandez: We need to wrap this up to make sure everyone gets a break..."see you" back in 55
minutes!
Srini Raghavan: Thank you Alvaro. Our brainlab folks will be very interested to talk to anyone
specialized in this domain.
Alvaro Fernandez: Lunch break!