what it means to strengthen your mind

> continued from 1
Scientific evidence now suggests that the earlier you exercise your mind, the better off you are, and the less likely you are (via statistics) to get Alzheimer's. In any case, cognitive exercise is a sound personal investment, resulting in better ability to concentrate and focus (productivity) and quicker reaction times. Gamers (like you) have been shown to have reaction times 100 milliseconds (1/10th of a second) faster than the average person.  This has been observed in numerous published studies and also in a resarch effort at E3 where Halo players were measured on the Cognitive Labs reaction time and cue reversal web suite known as Memory For Life / purchase /   Superior reaction times in individuals is associated with longevity.  These individuals in the past have been selected for roles such as astronauts and test pilots. 

Can you 'learn' to react faster without really improving?

Yes, you can learn through repetition. At some point you will 'max out' or reach your own personal effectiveness frontier. This varies by age, education, and condition. Your goal then should be to maintain yourself at your personal best,  striving for improvement.  However, growth of brain cells, or neurogenesis, also is possible. According to theories of neuroplasticity, it possible to grow and enhance the brain by concentrating on specific regions with various stimuli - both visual and  auditory.

Cognitive Effectiveness, Pharmaceuticals and Nutritionals

It may be possible to boost short-term performance or arrest a state of mental decline by intervening with various substances. Aricept (Pfizer) is the leading cognitive drug by revenue in the United States, achieving wide acceptance  where it is used to ameliorate the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Since ancient times (Egypt c. 1800 B.C., blue lily; Greece c. 800 B.C., snowdrop) natural substances have been used to treat memory and concentration deficits, including references in medical papyri and also in Homer's Odyssey.  
read more >>