Science tells us that training the brain can bring cognitive and emotional benefits at any age, but how do you know if you are doing the right training? After all, to the naked eye, the brain is not like other muscles that, when exercised, you can see and feel how much it’s used. Now, with Thinkie, you can.
Thinkie® Inc. is the leading provider of brain activity measurement and visual feedback training based on fNIRS technology. The Thinkie brain training system provides older adults with safe, real-time measurement and visual feedback that is both science-based and engaging to use.
Founded in 2023 by Mitsui & Co. and NeU Technologies, the company's top advisors include renowned neuroscientists Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, who developed successful brain training games for Nintendo, and Kiyoshi Hasegawa, the former director of Hitachi's consumer fNIRS business.
Based on the company's shared interest with MBK Senior Living in promoting wellness, innovation, and leveraging technology and connectivity for residents, the companies teamed up to pilot Thinkie at the company's Bellevue, Washington community, The Bellettini.
"Our Mind+Body Wellness program focuses on providing residents with means to improve mental and physical health and create positive social opportunities that contribute to greater, overall well-being," said Vice President of Health and Wellness, Dee Engle. "Thinkie is a fun and innovative way to stretch your mind, bolster brain fitness and see actual results."
The cutting-edge Thinkie brain training system includes a wearable technology headband, a tablet preloaded with a brain training app, and brain games that provide you with real-time measurement and visual feedback when played.
According to The Bellettini's Director of Wellness, John Friedman, residents enjoyed participating in the pilot program and learning about the advanced technology.
"Many of our residents have science and education backgrounds; they were naturally curious about the Thinkie brain training system," said Friedman. "They enjoyed playing the games, tracking their progress, and became a little competitive in getting high scores."
"We had some enthusiasts that somewhat like counting steps; they'd set goals and were motivated by their stats to play more," added John.
The Thinkie brain training system utilizes fNIRS technology to measure cerebral blood flow volume changes, which occur with increased or decreased neural activity. At the end of the brain training session, the program reports how much brain activity was achieved in that session and over time. Moreover, the system provides feedback on what activities were ineffective in activating high brain activity for that individual, thus taking the guesswork out of the equation and leading to much more efficient brain training.
"By engaging the brain and increasing blood flow, older adults can experience better memory, improved problem solving, clearer thinking as well as better regulate their emotions – all of which helps older adults live longer and maintain their independence," said Engle.
To learn more about MBK Senior Living's Mind+Body Wellness approach, visit one of our 38 communities located throughout the Western United States. To learn more about the Thinkie brain training system, visit www.thinkiesystem.com.
