Myth Recovery
“Recovery stops after six months.”
Fact
The brain keeps rewiring for years. Progress can slow, but meaningful gains are still possible with continued, task-specific practice.
Myths vs Facts
Tap to flip a common myth and reveal what's actually true - with the source to read more.
Myth Treatments
“Magnet bracelets can heal the brain.”
Fact
Static magnets (bracelets, insoles) have no good evidence. rTMS - a completely different, clinic-based magnetic treatment - does show promise as an add-on.
Myth Aphasia
“Aphasia means the person has lost their intelligence.”
Fact
Aphasia affects language, not intellect. The person usually knows exactly what they mean - getting it in and out is the hard part.
Myth Aphasia
“Speaking louder helps someone with aphasia understand.”
Fact
It's a language difficulty, not a hearing one. Short sentences, extra time, and gestures or writing help far more than volume.
Myth Brain injury
“After a concussion you must lie in a dark room for weeks.”
Fact
Current advice is a short period of relative rest, then a gradual, symptom-guided return to activity. Prolonged total rest can slow recovery.
Myth Rehab
“If you can walk, you don't need therapy.”
Fact
Rehab also targets arm and hand use, speech, balance, endurance, and daily tasks - not just whether you can walk.
Myth Dementia
“Dementia is just a normal part of getting old.”
Fact
Dementia is caused by disease, not ageing itself. Some memory change is normal; dementia is not - and up to a third of risk is linked to modifiable factors.
Myth Brain health
“Brain-training apps make you smarter overall.”
Fact
You mostly get better at the game itself; broad transfer is weak. Physical activity, sleep, and real-life practice do more for everyday thinking.
Myth Rehab
“Only intensive therapy in a clinic works.”
Fact
Amount of the right practice matters more than where it happens. A little, often, at home - practising the real task - adds up.
Myth Stroke
“Strokes only happen to old people.”
Fact
Stroke can happen at any age, including in children and young adults. Knowing the FAST signs matters for everyone.
Myth Brain
“We only use 10% of our brains.”
Fact
A myth. Brain scans show we use virtually all of the brain, just not all at once. There's no dormant 90% waiting to be unlocked.
Myth Epilepsy
“You should put something in the mouth of someone having a seizure.”
Fact
Never. It's impossible to 'swallow your tongue', and objects cause injury. Just protect their head, time it, and roll them onto their side after.
Myth MS
“A diagnosis of MS means you'll end up in a wheelchair.”
Fact
Not so. MS varies enormously, treatments have improved, and many people stay mobile for life. Exercise and rehab help keep you active.
Myth Cognition
“You can't teach an old dog new tricks - adult brains can't change.”
Fact
The brain stays 'plastic' for life. Adults and older people can learn new skills and build new connections - it just takes meaningful, repeated practice.