New research shows that reason and memory skills could be significantly boosted in older people by playing online games
Training the brain by playing online games can almost halve the risk of Alzheimer’s disease , according to new research.
The tasks challenge reasoning and memory skills and could have significant benefits for older people in their day to day lives, say scientists.
A 10 year study of 2,785 elderly Americans found the computer brain training technique cut the number of dementia cases by a third.
But this figure rose to 48 percent for those who managed the most sessions.
The research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto is the most conclusive to date that the technique works.
Dr Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “There is widespread excitement about the potential of brain training to protect against dementia as it is such an accessible and enjoyable tool, but so far long term studies have been lacking.
“This research provides the first evidence that computer-based brain training – in this case which improves the speed that your brain can process information – could reduce the likelihood of developing dementia over a decade.
“Previous research has shown some promise for brain training in improving memory, although these small-scale studies have been inconclusive.”