Strong Mind Navigator

A clinical-grade brain training exercise that strengthens the cognitive pathway from concrete observation to abstract reasoning — a core executive-function skill that supports everything from reading comprehension to strategic decision-making.

Designed by Dr. Donalee Markus, a Northwestern-trained neuroscientist with 40 years of clinical practice.

WHAT IT TRAINS

• Visual discrimination — distinguishing meaningful differences from noise

• Spatial navigation and orientation

• The cognitive movement from concrete details to abstract patterns

• Pattern recognition across complex visual fields

• Carryover skills for reading, navigation, and analytical thinking

WHO IT'S FOR

• Concussion and TBI recovery

• Stroke rehabilitation (especially patients with visuospatial deficits)

• Adults seeking stronger analytical and reasoning skills

• Students working on abstract reasoning

• Used clinically as part of structured cognitive restructuring programs

THE SCIENCE

The ability to move fluidly between concrete observation and abstract reasoning is one of the highest-order cognitive skills — and one of the first to weaken after brain injury or with significant aging. Strong Mind Navigator provides the hierarchical visual training that rebuilds this pathway.

ABOUT THE DEVELOPER

Dr. Donalee Markus has practiced cognitive restructuring since 1983. Her work is featured in Clark Elliott's "The Ghost in My Brain" and in peer-reviewed publication in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. Institutional clients include NASA and the U.S. Federal Court System.