What's Happening?
A long-term study has found that targeted brain training can significantly reduce the risk of dementia in older adults. The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study followed nearly 3,000 participants over two decades.
Those who underwent cognitive speed training, with booster sessions, showed a 25% lower risk of developing dementia. The study, supported by the National Institute on Aging, highlights the potential of cognitive training to maintain cognitive health and reduce dementia risk, with benefits lasting up to 20 years.
Why It's Important?
The findings from the ACTIVE study suggest that cognitive training could be a viable intervention to delay or prevent dementia, a condition affecting millions of older adults. As the population ages, dementia poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and families. The ability to reduce dementia risk through non-pharmacological means offers a promising avenue for public health strategies. This could lead to the development of cognitive training programs as part of routine health care for older adults, potentially reducing the burden of dementia on society.
What's Next?
The success of the ACTIVE study may inspire further research into cognitive training and its integration with other lifestyle interventions, such as physical exercise and nutrition. Researchers are likely to explore how these combined approaches can enhance cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Additionally, the study's findings could lead to the development of accessible cognitive training programs for older adults, potentially available through digital platforms. As interest in brain health grows, these programs could become a standard part of preventive health care for aging populations.
