Brain Training Game Could Shield Against Dementia for 20 Years
A comprehensive long-term study suggests that participating in a brain training video game can potentially protect against dementia for many years. This research provides significant evidence supporting the idea that cognitive training leads to lasting changes in brain health.
Key Findings of the Study
The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, followed up on the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial. Participants who engaged in approximately 23 hours of speed-based cognitive training over three years exhibited a remarkable 25% decrease in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia over a 20-year period.
Details of the ACTIVE Trial
- The study involved nearly 3,000 participants aged 65 and older.
- Participants were recruited from six geographical regions without significant cognitive impairment.
- Around 25% of the participants were minorities, with women comprising the majority.
Women are particularly susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease, facing a nearly double risk compared to men. Initial training included up to 10 sessions lasting 60 to 75 minutes, twice a week for five weeks, with some participants receiving additional booster sessions over three years.
Notable Comments from Experts
Marilyn Albert, director of the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, expressed surprise at the findings, indicating this data may reshape perceptions about cognitive training’s long-term benefits. Other experts echoed this sentiment, highlighting the study as the strongest support yet for cognitive training’s effectiveness in lowering dementia risk.
Types of Cognitive Training
Participants were assigned into one of three cognitive training categories: speed training, memory training, or reasoning training.
- Speed Training: Participants focused on quickly processing visual information, improving decision-making skills, similar to driving.
- Memory Training: Participants learned techniques for remembering lists and details by creating mental imagery.
- Reasoning Training: Involved solving problems based on serial patterns.
Remarkably, only the speed training group showed a protective effect against dementia, raising questions about the differences between implicit and explicit learning.
The Science Behind Speed Training
Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s adaptability, might explain the benefits of speed training. This method likely engages broader neural networks, enhancing cognitive reserve—the brain’s capacity to withstand dementia-related effects.
Recommendations for Enhanced Brain Health
Given the encouraging results, brain health experts suggest that older adults, particularly those over 65, may benefit from speed training. Preliminary suggestions indicate starting cognitive engagement earlier could yield protective effects against dementia.
General Strategies to Lower Dementia Risk
According to recent findings, up to half of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing various risk factors. Here are some recommended strategies:
- Have your hearing assessed.
- Manage factors such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
- Correct any vision impairments, as they may contribute to dementia risks.
- Engage in regular exercise to improve brain health.
- Consider combining cognitive activities with physical exercise for enhanced benefits.
As the population ages, understanding and addressing dementia-related risks is essential for improving long-term brain health. Measures like cognitive training and lifestyle adjustments may play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
