Strong Mind Treasure Hunt

A clinical-grade brain training exercise that develops the ability to view information from multiple perspectives — the cognitive flexibility behind problem-solving, creative thinking, and adaptive decision-making.

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

WHAT IT TRAINS

• Multi-perspective thinking — viewing the same situation from different angles

• Spatial reasoning and attention to detail

• Holding multiple variables in mind simultaneously

• Creative problem-solving and adaptive thinking

• Carryover skills that improve daily decision-making

WHO IT'S FOR

• Concussion and TBI recovery (especially patients with executive-function challenges)

• Stroke rehabilitation

• Adults wanting sharper problem-solving and adaptive thinking

• Professionals whose work demands cognitive flexibility

• Students working on critical-thinking skills

THE SCIENCE

Cognitive flexibility — the mental ability to switch between perspectives, tasks, and frames of reference — is one of the executive functions most affected by traumatic brain injury and aging. It's also one of the most trainable. Strong Mind Treasure Hunt provides the hierarchical, varied practice the brain needs to rebuild and strengthen this capacity.

ABOUT THE DEVELOPER

Dr. Donalee Markus has practiced cognitive restructuring since 1983, with institutional clients including NASA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the U.S. Federal Court System. 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.