Just curious. What kind of neurocognitive training and for what purpose ?

There is this programme called brain twister. Its the same programme Jaeggi et al did a study on a couple of years ago. While it received a lot of praise back then for its ability to enhance working memory and thus fluid intelligence the study was critizised for being flawed later.

LTagard,

The study was either flawed or just slanted. The brain training industry has been pulling out all the stop to sell their programs. The recent research shows that each exercise causes an increase in ability to do that exercise. The cross-over value is limited. The key value is at developing underdeveloped skills. Developing observational skills. Developing focus skills.

If you really wanted to maximize your brain, you should have been learning to play the piano and violin from a young age while the brain was more formative.

Deuce,

You are mistaken if you think a quick recovery means there was no damage. Your boxer friend exhibited signs of a concussion. There are plenty of athletes who never suffered a single concussion but developed severe Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, as early as their 20's, from hits with much less force than the average boxers punch.

Heading a soccer ball, especially during heading drills, is known to cause cumulative damage. No head aches or other symptoms but damage happens.

So, tell your friends to be careful. The brain is for thinking, not hitting.

The goal of boxing is to cause brain damage. Otherwise, head hits would be outlawed and body blows would be the rule.

I wasn't trying to imply that there was no damage, sorry if it sounded like that. That's why I further went on to explain how continuous blows will accumulate further damage to the brain. My friend hasn't boxed since then. I think it's like LTagard said, people tend to trivialize the damage that boxing can do to the brain. Everyone needs to be careful with those kinds of sports.

Is it possible to increase blood flow to the brain by any means?

There is this cerebrolysin drug? what do you think of it? are there any other drugs you would recommend?

I really dont want to sound whiny but its very important to me since I work in a very challenging academic field.

Cerebrolysin has been shown to be helpful with some neurological conditions but has varied results. It is not available in the US. It is taken by intravenous injection although some have applied it nasally.

The best way to have good blood flow to the brain is by simple activity. Physical and cognitive activity will cause blood to flow.

What are you trying to achieve ?