Researchers Discover Brain Training Games Can Cut Alzheimer's Risk by 25%
A groundbreaking study published Monday in an Alzheimer's Association journal has found that brain training games can lower the risk of developing dementia by a significant margin. The research, which involved over 2,800 participants aged 65 and older from six states, suggests that speed training games can reduce the incidence of dementia by 25%.
The speed training games, developed by Posit Science, require players to make quick decisions about objects on a screen, mimicking the brain's need for rapid processing in everyday life. These cognitive exercises are adaptive, meaning they become more challenging as the player improves and easier when struggling.
Conducted over a three-year period, the study followed participants who completed specific speed training sessions twice a week for five weeks and then received booster sessions every six months. The results showed that those who completed these sessions had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not participate in the brain training program.
According to Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, "These results change what's possible now for better brain health and Alzheimer's prevention." Dr. Sanjula Singh, an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, further explained that speed training is about quick decision-making, similar to how the brain functions when driving a vehicle.
While the exact mechanism behind speed training's protective effects against dementia remains unclear, researchers believe it may be related to implicit learning โ developing unconscious habits or skills. Once the brain rewires itself for these skills, the change can be long-lasting.
The study's findings have significant implications for Alzheimer's prevention, with an estimated 7.2 million Americans expected to have Alzheimer's by 2025 and 12.7 million by 2050. Women, Black, and Hispanic people are more susceptible to dementia than white individuals.
Experts praise the study as a major breakthrough in cognitive training for dementia prevention, but some caution that it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Emma Duerden from Western University noted that sedentary brain training games are not enough; other physical activities like exercise and sleep are also crucial for overall health.
In conclusion, the study highlights the potential benefits of cognitive training in preventing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. As researchers continue to unravel the mechanisms behind this effect, more research is needed to fully understand its applications and limitations.
A groundbreaking study published Monday in an Alzheimer's Association journal has found that brain training games can lower the risk of developing dementia by a significant margin. The research, which involved over 2,800 participants aged 65 and older from six states, suggests that speed training games can reduce the incidence of dementia by 25%.
The speed training games, developed by Posit Science, require players to make quick decisions about objects on a screen, mimicking the brain's need for rapid processing in everyday life. These cognitive exercises are adaptive, meaning they become more challenging as the player improves and easier when struggling.
Conducted over a three-year period, the study followed participants who completed specific speed training sessions twice a week for five weeks and then received booster sessions every six months. The results showed that those who completed these sessions had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not participate in the brain training program.
According to Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, "These results change what's possible now for better brain health and Alzheimer's prevention." Dr. Sanjula Singh, an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, further explained that speed training is about quick decision-making, similar to how the brain functions when driving a vehicle.
While the exact mechanism behind speed training's protective effects against dementia remains unclear, researchers believe it may be related to implicit learning โ developing unconscious habits or skills. Once the brain rewires itself for these skills, the change can be long-lasting.
The study's findings have significant implications for Alzheimer's prevention, with an estimated 7.2 million Americans expected to have Alzheimer's by 2025 and 12.7 million by 2050. Women, Black, and Hispanic people are more susceptible to dementia than white individuals.
Experts praise the study as a major breakthrough in cognitive training for dementia prevention, but some caution that it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Emma Duerden from Western University noted that sedentary brain training games are not enough; other physical activities like exercise and sleep are also crucial for overall health.
In conclusion, the study highlights the potential benefits of cognitive training in preventing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. As researchers continue to unravel the mechanisms behind this effect, more research is needed to fully understand its applications and limitations.