Bridging the Digital Divide: Brain Training Now Available at Local Libraries

SAN FRANCISCO, April 09, 2018 -- As National Libraries Week kicks off, Posit Science announced that BrainHQ, its cloud-based brain exercise and assessment platform, is now available at hundreds of public and military libraries — at no charge to library patrons.

Consumer subscriptions to BrainHQ range from $8-14 per month, but patrons of participating libraries can gain access without charge. Through an arrangement with library supplier Demco Software, libraries can obtain access for their service area population that allows library cardholders to access BrainHQ from the library or remotely.

“We have tried to make BrainHQ subscriptions highly accessible,” said Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, “but we realize that some people still don’t have access to internet-connected devices, and that some people, especially on a fixed income, may not have $8 a month to spare. Libraries, with their dedication to improving minds, are ideal partners in getting this technology to everyone it can help.”

BrainHQ is unique in the field of brain training because of the science behind the product. A study comparing commercially-available brain exercises and games targeting older adults, published last year in Neuropsychological Review, found most such products were backed by zero studies and that only BrainHQ was backed by multiple high-quality studies.

In fact, more than 140 peer-reviewed articles in journals show benefits from BrainHQ exercises and assessments. Those benefits include better performance at standard measures of cognition (e.g., speed, attention, memory), at standard measures of quality of life (e.g., mood, confidence, health-related quality of life) and at real world tasks (e.g., balance, driving, maintaining skills needed to live independently).

“I grew up in public libraries and I’m delighted that the library program has really struck a chord,” Dr. Mahncke observed. “Better cognitive performance can help people get the most out of all the library’s other resources, and brain training can be important  to many library constituencies, including seniors, veterans, job-seekers, students of any age, and peak performers.”

BrainHQ is perhaps best known for its impact on cognitive aging, but it is also the only brain training program offered by the Department of Defense to every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine. In addition, BrainHQ is used by many professional and elite athletes and teams, as well as others interested in achieving and maintaining peak performance.

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