FAQ

What is HAPPYneuron?

Based on extensive scientific research, HAPPyneuron provides a convenient, entertaining, and challenging way to organize your brain workout. Increasingly, scientific evidence tells us that "use it or lose it" applies to our brains just as it does to our bodies. And quick fixes just don't work! Regular, consistent workouts are key to making our brains fit for life. HAPPYneuron helps you cross train critical thinking skills, including memory, language, concentration, reasoning, and visual and spatial skills. Enjoy your workout!

How much does a membership cost?

We offer two memberships: a monthly membership for US $9.95 a month and an annual membership for US $99.95 a year. Each membership comes with a free 7 day trial. Once the trial is over, your subscription will automatically begin and you will be billed each month at a rate of about 33 cents a day for the monthly subscription or about 27 cents a day for the annual subscription.

How do I cancel my membership?

1. Click here to Login
2. You will be directed to your Membership Settings page
3. Click "Turn OFF Automatic Renewal"

There will be no further charges to your Credit Card. Your account will expire at the end of the current billing cycle. However, there are no refunds for partial months.

I Can't Remember My Password

1. click forgot my Password
2. enter your email address in the text box provided and then click submit
3. we will send a temporary password to your email account provided

Still having problems? Please email Customer Support at support@happy-neuron.com Remember, your password is case sensitive!

How Do I Reinstate My Membership?

Any time during the billing period of your membership you can update your membership auto renew option.
1. click here to login
2. You will be directed to your Membership Settings page
2. click "Turn ON Automatic Renewal"

However, once the billing period lapses, you account will go dormant and you will no longer have access to the benefits of Happy Neuron. If this happens and you decide you really want to keep playing or you come back from an extended leave, all your information is saved and you can resume your play by renewing your membership. Simply log into your account and you will be presented with the opportunity to Renew Your Membership. Follow the directions and you should be playing and resuming your brain fitness exercises shortly. If you have any questions, please email Customer Support at support@happy-neuron.com

Is my HAPPYneuron membership reimbursable as a medical expense?

Your membership to HAPPYneuron may be eligible for reimbursement under your Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or your Health Savings Account (HSA) offered by your health insurance plan or employer. If you have an FSA or HSA, you can submit a prescription from your doctor recommending cognitive training along with a receipt of payment from HAPPYneuron to claim reimbursement. Under the same conditions, it may be reimbursable as part of your annual tax deductible medical expenses.

Note: HAPPYneuron bears no responsibility for successful reimbursement by the above methods as it is entirely subject to individual situations and plan policies which are out of HAPPYneuron's control.

Who can benefit from HAPPYneuron?

The HAPPYneuron site is suited for individuals of all ages, education and professional background. We all need to keep our brains fit.

How does the brain change physiologically as we age?

There is evidence that around the age of 60, many people start complaining of cognitive impairments. One reason is that starting at about that age, the brain undergoes many physical changes. Changes include enlargement of the ventricular system, widening of sulci (grooves) on the surface of the brain, reduced brain weight and brain volume --- probably caused by the loss of neurons--- and reduction in the size of many areas of the cerebral cortex. Also, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke are more common in people over 60.

If you have noticed cognitive changes, you should consult your physician if you haven't already. Your doctor may want to refer you to a neuropsychologist for more extensive evaluation. Please note that the current versions of our games have not been specifically designed for those with brain injuries or neurological disorders. The good news is that the brain is quite resilient. If we do all we can to maintain our health as we age, including well-directed mental workouts, then some mental impairments may be delayed, avoided or perhaps even reversed.

Who benefits the most from cognitive training and how long does it take to see results?

Research is under way across the country (including here at HAPPYneuron to determine who benefits the most from cognitive training (healthy adults, stroke patients, those with mild cognitive impairments) and how long individuals need to train in order to see results. These questions have not yet been answered definitively, but many researchers agree that daily mental exercise may maintain or improve brain fitness, and may even delay the onset of cognitive impairment. We suggest training every day for 30 minutes. If you have time constraints, then it is better to do several more short session a week rather than doing a 2-hour session once a week. In addition, it is important that you work with a comprehensive program that trains several brain functions. Also, it is important to challenge yourself by playing games of various levels of difficulty. Last, cognitive training should complement a healthy lifestyle. That is to say that you also need to exercise, eat healthy, sleep well and socialize. Keep busy!

Are your games helpful for people who have had brain injuries?

Although many different types of populations use our cognitive training games, the current versions have not been specifically designed for those with brain injuries. This information ought not discourage you but, rather, you should be aware that you may find some of the tasks more challenging than the average person. Similarly, your scores will be compared to a population of users with essentially "normal" brain functioning and therefore they will not be valid for you. We would suggest consulting with your physician and/or rehabilitation therapist, as you would before starting any exercise regimen. Before trying the games out, first seek out their advice. Then, if they have no objection, you can see how you feel about them.

How does HAPPYneuron analyze results?

All HAPPYneuron cognitive exercises (aka games) have been standardized based on age, gender and level of education. These are the three main factors that influence cognitive capabilities. The standardization of an exercise entails a process of normalization to find the average score and the spread of scores when the exercise is taken by a group of the same age, gender and level of education. Since 2002, HAPPYneuron has collected over 20,000,000 exercise results from Internet users. We are thus able to reliably analyze your performance level for each exercise variant and each population category. The process of finding norms also requires that the different scores are part of a normal distribution. Ninety five percent (95%) of the population is spread between -2 and +2 standard scores: every performance within this interval corresponds to what can be logically expected. Subjects with a very high level of expertise are beyond +2 standard deviations (2.5% of the population). It should be noted that scoring is based on data from adult users therefore scores for users under the age of 15 may be unreliable.

What can the coach do for me?

The personalized HAPPYneuron coach can design an appropriate cross-training workout based on your past and current cognitive performance, your preferences and your available time. The goal is always to maintain and improve your overall cognitive performance. Each time you go to "Coach", your personalized coach performs a profile analysis to determine the most relevant exercises for your current training session.

I had a stroke and as a result I have hearing loss. Can I still play your games?

It is true that some stroke patients have significantly impaired performance on dichotic competing tasks but that should not stop you from exercising your brain. In fact, other parts of your brain may compensate for your hearing loss and you should continue playing games to strengthen those connections. The "squeaking mouse" would be a good one to try. Also, for the games that include auditory processing, it probably doesn't make much sense to compare yourself to the norm. You might also want to ask a neurologist for his advice.

Have there been any scientific studies done on your product to test its effectiveness?

HAPPYneuron games are based on cognitive research done mostly in France. On average, after 425 games, subscribers improve between +14% (memory) and +20% (language), with 16% overall improvement which is significant. There are number of new research projects under way in the US and results will be made available soon. For a complete list of scientific activities, please refer to this page: http://www.happy-neuron.com/science/brain-science-research.php

How appropriate are your games for someone that has processing speed difficulties.

HAPPYneuron games have not been designed as a therapy for any particular problem however, you may want to try us out anyway. Our games have adjustable levels of difficulty and many emphasize processing speed in various neuropsychological functions and modalities, e.g., visual and auditory skills. Our games have been standardized with a healthy adult population in mind, so you should ignore the scoring system. HAPPYneuron games are inherently entertaining and we always encourage people to try us out with a free trial.

I am not comfortable with computers. Can I use HAPPYneuron without a computer?

We would like our members to keep in mind that using HAPPYneuron via computer is part of the novel experience and learning process that one needs on a daily basis to maintain mental health. It is in itself a cognitive stimulating activity. Studies have showed that the use of computers can enhance self-esteem, meets needs for fun and mental stimulation, and improves competencies and autonomy. It can also decrease levels of depression, loneliness, and stress. As with any new task, learning how to use a computer takes a bit of time and patience. In turn the benefits of learning a new skill can be significant.

What is the Cognitive Progress graph?

This Cognitive Progress graph shows your Cognitive Performance Index (CPI) progress from the very first time you exercised your cognitive skills. That is, your overall cognitive performance progress as compared with your peers of the same age, gender and education level as you.

How are the HAPPYneuron Recommended Exercise Levels Determined?

HAPPYneuron's cognitive training system computes and suggests the difficulty level for each exercise based on your profile and your cognitive performance to date. The probability of being presented with a particular level depends on a Gaussian Curve centered on the most suitable level for you. It continually adapts as you perform the exercises. Recompilations of the appropriate levels are done after each coaching session, which may consist of many exercises in sequence, or after each game as played on an individual basis outside of the coaching session.

Based on the Gaussian Curve calculation, the computed difficulty level for a given exercise will remain constant during a guided coach session, with a small exception - from time to time it will recommend a level that is much easier or more challenging for you in order to factor these performance data points in your overall profile of performance and continue to expose you to the key characteristic of variety.

For even more detailed information about how program scoring is performed be go to: http://www.happy-neuron.com/about/how-it-works.php

What is CPI?

CPI represents your Cognitive Performance Index. This is the overall measurement of your cognitive performance in Language, Memory, Attention, Visual-Spatial and Executive Function sectors. Your CPI score is relative to your peers. That is, people of the same age, gender and education level as you. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 1,000. The mid-point of 500 is the average level of your peer group.

Memory Achievement Level

This is a measurement of your cognitive performance for memory. It's calculated based on your performance on all games involving memory abilities. The score is normalized relative to the performance of your peers (that is, people of the same age, gender and level of education as you). The memory achievement level ranges from 0 to 100.

Attention Achievement Level

This is a measurement of your cognitive performance for attention It's calculated based on your performance on all games involving attention abilities. The score is normalized relative to the performance of your peers (that is, people of the same age, gender and level of education as you). The attention achievement level ranges from 0 to 100.

Language Achievement Level

This is a measurement of your cognitive performance for language. It's calculated based on your performance on all games involving language abilities. The score is normalized relative to the performance of your peers (that is, people of the same age, gender and level of education as you). The language achievement level ranges from 0 to 100.

Executive Function Achievement Level

This is a measurement of your cognitive performance for executive function. It's calculated based on your performance on all games involving executive function abilities. The score is normalized relative to the performance of your peers (that is, people of the same age, gender and level of education as you). The executive function achievement level ranges from 0 to 100.

Visual Spatial Achievement Level

This is a measurement of your cognitive performance for visual spatial. It's calculated based on your performance on all games involving visual spatial abilities. The score is normalized relative to the performance of your peers (that is, people of the same age, gender and level of education as you). The visual spatial achievement level ranges from 0 to 100.

How are CPI Achievement Medals Awarded?

Achievement: This is the achievement medal for your CPI score. There are 4 medal levels that can be achieved. They are

• Bronze (score under 250). With effort your performance can improve quickly.


• Silver (score between 250 and 500). Your performance can improve a lot with a little focus and effort.


• Gold (score betwen 501 and 750). Your performance is very good.


• Platinum (score over 751). Your performance is excellent.

All these performance measurements are relative to your peers. That is, users of the same age, gender and education level as you. The mid-point of 500 is the average level of your peer group.

Why do I have a score for this cognitive category even if I didn't play any game of this sector?

Although you may not have played any designated games for this cognitive category, you have played games in other categories that draw on your these cognitive skills to a minor extent. Since the major, as well as the minor, training of all cognitive functions are recorded, this category may indicate a score relative to your result.

What is the Memory Progress graph?

This Memory Progress graph shows your progress from the very first time you exercised your memory skills.

What is the Attention Progress graph?

This Attention Progress graph shows your progress from the very first time you exercised your attention skills.

What is the Language Progress graph?

This Language Progress graph shows your progress from the very first time you exercised your language skills.

What is the Executive Function Progress graph?

This Executive Function Progress graph shows your progress from the very first time you exercised your executive function skills.

What is the Visual-spatial Progress graph?

This Visual-spatial Progress graph shows your progress from the very first time you exercised your visual-spatial skills.

How does the Coach choose My Workout?

The HAPPYneuron Coach chooses your personal workout session based on program selection (balanced, Memory Challenge, etc.), the time available and your cognitive performance to date. The duration of each exercise is a calculated average based on completed exercise statistics as well as blend of proprietary algorithms. The challenge levels are chosen based on your past cognitive performance which is an indicator of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Is HAPPYneuron Secure?

Yes. HAPPYneuron ensures the security of your personal information using SSL secure internet communication for all personal information pages and purchase pages. This is visible when the browser URL starts with "https:" and the appearance of a lock symbol in your browser screen.

What do I need to use the site?

You will need to have the Adobe Flash player to play the HAPPYneuron games. Over 98% of computers already have the Flash player pre-installed. If you do not, you can download it FREE from Adobe.

I get the following error message when playing games on HAPPYneuron:

"You can not launch this game because it fails recovering your session information. These data is stored in Session Cookies, so your browser and your security tools should be configured to authorize them."
If you received the above error message while accessing the HAPPYneuron brain fitness games on our partner websites, it may be due to having your cookie session settings disabled in your browser. Cookies are little bits of data that are sent to the site you are currently navigating. For HAPPYneuron, it tracks information on the playing sessions. Cookies are also a way for a Website to recognize you and keep track of your preferences. Here is how to change your cookie browsers setting:

For Internet Explorer 6.0 and 7.0
-Open Tools, then Internet Options
-Go to the Privacy Tab and make sure your settings "Allow Cookies".
For Mozilla FireFox
-Open Tools, then click on Options
-Go to Privacy Tab and check "accepts cookies from site"
For Macintosh Safari Users
-Open Safari Browser
-From the menu bar select Safari then Preferences
-Click the Security tab.
-In the "accept Cookies"

The Flash player will not install properly.

If the player does not install or you get errors during the installation, you may have an old version that is interfering with the new player. To completely uninstall Flash, please use the un-installers located on this page http://sdc.shockwave.com/shockwave/download/alternates/#fp. You can then install a fresh version which often solves the problem. More information about installing Flash on PC, Mac or Linux can be found at the Adobe site. If you have further problems please contact us.

My Personal Profile does not work properly in the new Internet Explorer 7 as it's displaying 2001 as the date.

This may be due to a problem accepting cookies from the site. In Internet Explorer 7, go to the 'Tools' menu then choose the 'Privacy' tab. Click the 'Sites' button then add http://www.happy-neuron.com to the list of sites from which you will always 'Allow' cookies. Once this is done, restart your computer then try the site again.

My computer is a Mac.

No problem. The Flash player is available for Mac as well as newer Intel Macs.

I have problems with the follow-up of my training session.

Your browser may not allow session cookies. Those cookies enable us to follow up your training session. They are automatically destroyed by your browser each time you end a session. If you use Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options, Safety tab, select Internet Zone, then personalize the level. In the cookies section, activate the element "Authorize session cookies". If you also activate the cookies, you will not need to fill out the question form next time. If you use Netscape, go to Edition/Preferences, Advanced category, in the Cookies paragraph, tick off one of the "accept cookies" boxes. If you still have problems, or if your problem has not been dealt with on this page, please contact us and our technical staff will help you solve it.

My games will not load. What do I do?

If you are unable to click on a game and see it, you may need to clear your browser's cache file. Below is a list of browsers for Window users and Mac users. Instructions are also available in your browser help file.

PC Users:

*IE (Internet Explorer): Open "Tools" from the top menu bar. To delete a specific category of browsing history, simply click on the information you want to delete, in this case, " Delete Temporary Internet Files". Next, click "Yes" then click "Close".

*Firefox: Open "Tools" from the top menu bar. Select "Clear Private Data Now"

*AOL: Open "Security" from the top menu bar. Click on "Select Footprints to Clear". Next, select "Browser Cache" then click on the"Clear" button.


Mac Users:

*Safari: Open Safari from the top menu bar. Choose "Empty Cache".

If you are still unable to load the games, please send us an email to:
Support@Happy-Neuron.com and let us know what operating system you are on and which browser you use to play your games. Additionally, it is helpful to provide any error messages or information regarding the problem you may be having.

What are the minimumWhat are the minimum set of system requirements needed to use HAPPYneuron?

-Operation System: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or Mac or Linux.
-Browser: Internet Explorer 5.x, 6.x, 7.x, 8.x, FireFox 2.x, 3.x, Google Chrome, Safari and Opera
-Flash: version 8 or higher
-RAM: 512 MB or higher
-Processor: 1Ghz or higher
-Screen Resolution: 800x600 at 16 bits color
-Sound Card: 16 bits
-Minimum Internet Connection: access speed of 128 kbps or higher

Why am I not receiving my Workout Reminder emails?

Often times legitimate email can be easily blocked or recognized as junk/spam mail. We recommend that you add coach@happy-neuron.com to your Safe Senders list to avoid these common situations with emails. We have compiled a list of the most commonly used email programs with easy to follow instructions on how to add coach@happy-neuron.com to your Safe Senders list.

AOL 8.0
AOL WebMail
Earthlink
Gmail
Hotmail
Juno
MacMail
Microsoft Entourage
Microsoft Outlook Express 6+
Microsoft Outlook 2003
Microsoft Outlook 2007
Mozilla Thunderbird
MSN 8.0
MSN 9.0
Yahoo! Mail

AOL 8.0+

1. open the email
2. click add address icon
3. save

AOL WebMail

1. click on the Addresses tab in the upper right corner of the Mailbox window
2. click on the dropdown menu and select New Contact
3. enter coach@happy-neuron.com in the Screen Name field
4. click Save

Earthlink

1. open the email
2. click add to address book
3. click save

Gmail

1. click Contacts (located in the navigation menu on the left)
2. click Create Contact
3. enter coach@happy-neuron.com
4. click Save

Hotmail

1. click the Contacts tab
2. click Safe List (located in the navigation menu on the left)
3. enter coach@happy-neuron.com
4. click Save

Juno

1. on the mail screen, click on the Address Book tab
2. enter coach@happy-neuron.com
3. click Quick Add

MacMail

1. open the email
2. ctrl+click on the sender's email address
3. click Add to Address Book

Microsoft Entourage

1. open the email
2. right click on the sender's email address
3. select Add to Address Book in the short cut menu
4. click save

Microsoft Outlook Express 6+

1. open the email
2. left-click the sender icon, or right click on the sender's name
3. click add to contacts
4. click save and close

Microsoft Outlook 2003

1. open the email
2. select Actions on the toolbar
3. select Junk Email from the dropdown menu
4. select Add sender to the Safe Senders list
5. click OK

Microsoft Outlook 2007

1. open the email
2. click Options on the Tools menu
3. on the Preferences tab, under Email, click Junk Email
4. select Safe Senders or Safe Recipients tab and click add
5. enter coach@happy-neuron.com
6. click OK

Mozilla Thunderbird

1. click the Address Book button
2. click the New Card button
3. on the Contact tab, add coach@happy-neuron.com
4. click OK

MSN 8.0

1. click E-mail Settings (located in the navigation menu on the left)
2. click Junk Mail
3. click Safe List
4. click Add an item to this list
5. enter coach@happy-neuron.com
6. click Add

MSN 9.0

1. click Settings E-Mail | Junk E-Mail (located in the navigation menu on the left)
2. enter coach@happy-neuron.com
3. click Save Changes

Yahoo! Mail

1. open the email
2. click the add to address book link (located next to the sender's name)
3. click Save Contact