What's Happening?
A long-term study has revealed that a specific type of brain training game, known as speed training, can significantly reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, by 25% over a 20-year period. The study, part of the Advanced Cognitive
Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial, involved nearly 3,000 participants aged 65 and older. Participants engaged in speed training, memory training, or reasoning training, with a control group receiving no training. The speed training, which focused on improving visual processing speed, was the only method that showed a significant reduction in dementia risk. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study are significant as they provide strong evidence that cognitive training can have long-lasting effects on brain health, potentially delaying the onset of dementia. This is particularly important given the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the aging population. The study suggests that relatively small amounts of cognitive training can yield substantial benefits, offering a non-pharmaceutical approach to reducing dementia risk. This could influence public health strategies and encourage the integration of cognitive training into regular health practices for older adults.
What's Next?
Following these findings, there may be increased interest in developing and promoting cognitive training programs as a preventive measure against dementia. Researchers may also explore the underlying mechanisms of how speed training affects brain health and whether similar benefits can be achieved through other forms of cognitive or physical activities. Additionally, there could be a push for further studies to confirm these results and to determine the optimal amount and type of training needed to maximize benefits.
