Exploring the Benefits of Metal Detecting for Neuropsychology
Dr. Doug Mason is a neuropsychologist with a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental, cognitive and mood disorders. As part of his efforts to discover new avenues for treatment, he reached out to PANCKY with interest in trying metal detectors as a therapy option.
Initial contact came after reading a Bob Villa article that ranked PANCKY metal detectors as a top option in its price range. Dr. Mason shared his personal interest in metal detecting and was a long-time practitioner of the activity. His interests then extended to the introduction of this pastime to patients with cognitive disorders to include executive dysfunction, memory loss, mood disorders and developmental disorders.
The initial target population included patients who needed some help with things like organization and planning abilities, executive function, critical thinking, decision-making, and social interactions. The large population of retirees in his home state of Florida also sparked an extension into metal detector use research for age-related cognitive changes.
The Proven Benefits of Metal Detecting
Mood-boosting and cognitive enhancement benefits of the metal detection hobby are well documented and make logical sense from a practical point of view. It involves physical activity, which has been shown to offer mental improvements, encourages a dopamine response when finding hidden objects, and offers both solitary comfort and the opportunity for social interaction. Multiple research projects using metal detectors for veterans with PTSD diagnoses have proven highly beneficial in many regards.
Dr. Mason’s focus extends the idea of these proven benefits to new populations with similar challenges. These include the aforementioned patients and those suffering from stroke, age related cognitive changes and traumatic brain injury (TBI) who have lost some function. The goal remains to gain cognitive improvement and recovery in a non-clinical setting using a fun pastime that is accessible to the majority of individuals affected.
The neuro cognitive rehabilitation pilot program organized by Dr. Mason is a multi-faceted approach to studying options. More information on the evaluation and treatment of cognitive disorders is available at his website: MemoryDR.com.[i]
The sponsorship of five adult metal detectors from PANCKY allows these studies to continue, and gives the brand an opportunity to extend recreational interest in the hobby. While many believe in the physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits that it brings, professional investigation, purposeful research, and published findings provide more benefits overall. Our brand is proud to be a part of helping all ages and ability levels discover more than just metal bits, coins, lost jewelry, or artifacts. If metal detecting proves to offer a way to discover improvements for brain function, mood, social interactions, and cognitive skills, that will offer more value than anything else.
The PANCKY commitment to the metal detecting hobby began with a focus on fun and adventure. However, this passion continues to grow and expand into new areas of understanding and use. In the past 24 years, we have been proud of our involvement with various efforts like Doug Mason’s research into neuropsychological improvements.
We strive to improve accessibility to the metal detecting hobby for people from all walks of life and circumstances. Our vision includes further strides into how this activity can benefit the human body and mind. PANCKY hopes everyone can find enjoyment and rewarding outcomes from metal detecting as much as our team members have. Learn more about us, current, and future projects on our website.[ii]
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[i] https://www.memorydr.com/
[ii] https://panckydetectors.com/pages/about-us
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Can Metal Detecting assist the brain in improving its functioning and in healing from injury?