What's Happening?
A long-term study known as the ACTIVE study has revealed that a specific type of cognitive exercise, called 'speed of processing' training, can significantly reduce the risk of dementia by 25% over a period of up to two decades. The study followed nearly
3,000 older adults and found that those who participated in this training, which focuses on sharpening visual attention and reaction time, were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared to a control group. The study highlighted that the benefits were particularly pronounced in participants who received 'booster' sessions after their initial training. This research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is the first of its kind to assess the long-term impact of cognitive training on dementia risk.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study are significant as they suggest a non-pharmacological intervention that could potentially delay the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, which is a major public health concern. Dementia affects a significant portion of the aging population and incurs substantial healthcare costs. By demonstrating that cognitive speed training can have long-lasting protective effects, this study offers a promising avenue for reducing the incidence of dementia, thereby potentially alleviating the economic burden associated with dementia care. The research underscores the importance of developing and refining cognitive training programs that target specific brain functions to enhance cognitive reserve and delay cognitive decline.
What's Next?
Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms that make speed training effective in reducing dementia risk. Additionally, exploring how this type of cognitive training can be integrated with other lifestyle interventions to enhance its protective effects could be beneficial. The study's authors suggest that combining cognitive training with activities that support cardiovascular health and regular physical activity may further delay dementia onset. Future studies may also focus on making these cognitive exercises more accessible to the general population, potentially through commercial software, to maximize public health benefits.
Beyond the Headlines
The study highlights the potential of implicit learning, which is targeted by speed training, as a more resilient form of cognitive function against age-related decline compared to explicit learning strategies. This insight could lead to a shift in how cognitive training programs are designed, emphasizing the development of automatic skills over factual knowledge. Additionally, the adaptive nature of the speed training program, which adjusts to individual performance levels, may serve as a model for future cognitive interventions aimed at older adults.
