Attention

[martina]

Table of contents

1. Free time

Keywords

1. Attention

Did you know?
Attention is a core function, it is the “queen” of your brain!​

Attention is called a core function, it underlies several daily activities. Attention is “the queen” of your brain activity because it regulates the cognitive functioning of your mind.
The main function of attention is to filter thousands of stimuli that simultaneously come to our sense organs (sight, hearing, touch, etc). Without attention to what happens, you will not be able to remember it. This is the reason why attention is so important in daily life.
You can train your attention with this game (available only in Italian version) spending time and socialising with friends!​

And you, how do you train your attention?​ Discuss it with the community members​

CLICK TO KNOW MORE

Do you know?
Attention is a core function, it is the “queen” of your brain!​

Attention is called the core function or “the queen” of all cognitive domains, because it regulates the functioning of other cognitive functions. If all stimuli from the external environment reached your brain it would drive you crazy! This is the reason why attention is so important in daily life.



What is attention? Why is it so important?

Attention is the cognitive function that allows us to process information from the external world, filter only relevant stimuli, ignore irrelevant ones and organise the information in order to implement an appropriate response. The main function of attention is to filter thousands of stimuli that simultaneously come to our sense organs (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste). Several factors such as age or neurocognitive disorders (such as dementia) can impact our attention abilities. With age, our attention span decreases. Dementia can progressively reduce our ability to filter and select stimuli. This may lead to a sense of disorientation and confusion, especially in new environments and contexts. Failures in focusing attention on stimuli can consequently result in difficulties in remembering new information. If a person has an attention deficit, he or she will have problems, for example, remembering things or planning an action. This is the reason why attention is called a “core function”.

There are three main forms of attention: sustained attention, selective attention, divided attention and processing speed.



Since our attention is responsible for many cognitive functions, it is essential to keep it trained as much as possible. Benefits of a well trained attention can be exploited in so many aspects of everyday life!



Let's start with some advice on apps and board tables that can help you to keep your attention trained!



Apps

	In this app there are several types of games that work on attention: puzzles, finding dirrerences between two images, finding the hidden objects, searching words ina matrix, finding the intruder, selecting the words’ colour and choosing correct side. Progressive levels of difficulties are present. (iOS and Android)
	This app works on selective attention, processing speed and visual memory. The goal is to find the number within a matrix as fast as possible. You can choose the size of the matrix and a coloured or back and white background to make it more complex. (iOS and Android)
	In this game you have to pay attention to the dot with a different colour and follow it even when it becomes as colourful as the others. There are different levels of difficulties. (Android)
Board Tables
	Cortex: it is a game that trains concentration and logical thinking. There are several games/cards inside and some of them works on attention, especially selective attention and processing speed (for exampl finding within a image which element appears less or finding the missing number). Stay focused on the play to respond faster than other players.
	Jungle Speed: this a speed game. The aim is to reach faster than the other players the totem at the middle of tha table when there are matching cards. With this game you work also on your selective attention, to pay attention to details that differentiate the cards from one another.
	Dooble: it trains your processing speed and your visual ability to find images with the same objects faster than the other players. You have to stay focused on the task for all the duration of the play, so you train also your sustained attention.
	Metti a fuoco: it is a play to train cognitive function, in particular attention and visual recognition in a fun and socializing way. It was created with the intent to promote socialization in neurodegenerative diseases through group activities. Now only an italian version is available.

And you, how do you train your attention?​ Discuss it with the community members​

Recommendation
No one knows better than you what time and level of game is perfect for you, so remember to stop before you experience or sense any tiredness or boredom in your family member! Playing is a time of pleasure, dedicated to attention while feeling good and comfortable.

References
Harada, C. N., Natelson Love, M. C., & Triebel, K. L. (2013). Normal cognitive ageing. Clinics in geriatric medicine, 29(4), 737–752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2013.07.002
https://curiosamentepsicologia.altervista.org/
"Non so come avrei fatto senza di te" Manuale per i familiari delle persone con demenza (2013), Servizio Sanitario Regione Emilia Romagna