MIT "Brain Fitness Event"

I went to a great event last night in Palo Alto that covered the emerging "Brain Fitness" market. Thanks MIT Alumni and Wilson Sonsini for hosting. Panelists discussed the economics, science, and marketing issues related to this trend. Participants included Physic Ventures, Advanced Brain Technologies, www.Lumosity.com, and www.sharpbrains.com.

I had two big take-aways:

1. The thesis that InfoTech /Life Sciences / Health care will converge is right on target with this blog and Andy Kessler's "The End of Medicine". (write-up in books section). Indeed, panelists struggled to define the market as a resident of any one category. Ultimately, panelists concluded that it is between health care, games, software, and Life Sciences. Convergence in action. These software "Games" have the potential to improve brain function today, as well as delay, treat, or prevent aging diseases, such as Alzheimer's. As a result, fewer physician hours will be spent. This market is an example of technology that can deliver higher quality health care and support prevention rather than cure. Technology like this will ultimately reduce the power of the physician lobby as people seize control over their own health.

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WARNING: BEGIN RANT. IF YOU ARE A DOCTOR, LOOK AWAY

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2. ADD was presented in purely pathological terms by one of the companies covering that specific market. An unfortunate result of the lack of Systems training in medicine today is that the "Experts" badly misunderstand ADD and how ADD is a benefit to individuals who manage it well. Doctors focus on symptoms, not benefits. Unfortunately, many children and adults suffer because of this Attention Deficit in medical education. Indeed, ADDers are on average highly intelligent, highly creative, and willing to make their own way. ADD professionals misunderstand that ADD is an adaptation that benefits society as as well as individuals. As such it's a feature of the system, not a bug. Anyone who saw "A Beautiful Mind" will remember the concept of a Nash Equilibrium.

For a more positive and accurate view of ADD, check out this book from two Doctors who have ADD.

This blog has already covered the topic of reductionism and how it limits advancements in Neuroscience.

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I found some excellent research at the Santa Fe Institute on Nash Equilibria and cooperation. Look for a series of articles soon that contradict the medical industrial complex on ADD. Also, I'm coining a new phrase: "Consumer created health care". It's what happens when people get online and do their own research, whether the AMA likes it or not. (They don't).

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