What's Happening?
A long-term study has found that a brain training video game may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, over a 20-year period. The research, part of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital
Elderly (ACTIVE) trial, involved nearly 3,000 participants aged 65 and older. Those who engaged in up to 23 hours of cognitive speed training over three years showed a 25% lower risk of dementia. The study highlights the potential of cognitive training to create lasting changes in the brain, offering a non-pharmacological approach to dementia prevention.
Why It's Important?
With dementia affecting millions in the U.S. and numbers expected to rise, this study provides a promising avenue for prevention. Cognitive training could become a key strategy in public health efforts to combat dementia, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life for aging populations. The findings also emphasize the importance of brain health and the potential for lifestyle interventions to mitigate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
What's Next?
Further research is needed to explore the benefits of cognitive training for younger adults and to understand the mechanisms behind its protective effects. Healthcare providers may consider incorporating cognitive training into routine care for older adults. The study's results could influence policy decisions and funding for dementia prevention programs, encouraging broader adoption of cognitive training as a preventive measure.
