What's Happening?
A federally funded study involving 2,802 participants has revealed that cognitive speed training can significantly reduce the risk of dementia over a 20-year period. The study, which began in 1998, was part of the ACTIVE trial and focused on exercises
designed to enhance the brain's processing speed. Participants who engaged in eight to ten hour-long sessions of cognitive speed training, along with at least one booster session, were found to be 25% less likely to develop dementia. The research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, highlights the long-term benefits of this form of mental exercise. The study's findings are considered groundbreaking, providing a potential method for reducing dementia risk through targeted brain training.
Why It's Important?
The implications of this study are significant for public health, particularly as the population ages and the prevalence of dementia increases. By demonstrating a tangible method to reduce dementia risk, the study offers a proactive approach to cognitive health. This could lead to widespread adoption of cognitive speed training programs, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with dementia care. The findings also underscore the importance of early intervention and the potential for non-pharmaceutical approaches to cognitive health. As the study suggests long-lasting benefits from relatively short training periods, it could influence public health policies and encourage further research into cognitive training as a preventive measure.
What's Next?
The study raises questions about the potential benefits of continued cognitive training beyond the initial sessions. An ongoing study, the Preventing Alzheimer's with Cognitive Training (PACT), funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to explore this by involving 7,500 participants aged 65 and older in extended training sessions. Results from the PACT study are expected in 2028, which may provide further insights into the optimal duration and frequency of cognitive training for dementia prevention. These findings could shape future guidelines and recommendations for cognitive health maintenance.
