Researchers Find Brain Training Exercise That Lowers Dementia Risk By Up To 48%

Study Finds Brain Training Exercise That Lowers Dementia Risk By Up To 48 Percent
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The idea of losing one’s memory is a terrifying thought. This is exactly what happens when a person suffers from dementia. The slow and chronic deterioration of one’s ability to recall creates a health scenario that challenges relatives, doctors, and the patient. Given how grave the effects of dementia are on a person, researchers are eager to find ways in preventing dementia from settling in. Fortunately, we are now one step closer to figuring out what works in the science of preventing cognitive decline.

The answer may lie in a concept called brain training. When you hear about brain training, it’s easy to picture it as involving crossword puzzles and working out, but in reality, it is much more sophisticated than that.

In a study published by the American Psychological Association, researchers from Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly study released the results of a 10-year trial involving 2,832 participants, ages 65 to 94. The results showed that when a person performs a specific brain training exercise called “speed of processing training” regularly, that person’s chance of developing dementia is reduced by as much as 48 percent. This type of training revolves around improving visual attention’s speed and accuracy. This is done by training a person to name an object, such as a truck, at the center of the screen while asking them to find another object in the periphery of their vision. As people practice the task, the time allotted gets shorter and shorter, forcing them to increase their focus and speed. Those who participated in the training also showed improvements across different parameters, like behavior, mood, functional performances, and the ability to do activities of daily living. ^[1]

These are fantastic results! The researchers pointed out that this is the first large-scale randomized trial to measure an observable long-term effect that is clearly due to a brain training intervention.

Another more recent study was able to enjoy similar success with their method of brain training. This time they used a memory game app accessible via an iPad. The brain training app developed by researchers from the University of Cambridge was able to improve the memory score of the participants with mild cognitive impairment by 40 percent. ^[2]

With these findings, it seems like the medical community is slowly warming up to the concept of improving cognitive function through the use of mental exercises. Considering the previous consensus from the scientific community about its validity has not been warm or welcoming, the future looks bright for the field of brain training and dementia prevention. ^[3]

Further Reading:

Expert Panel – Three Things May Save Your Brain

Playing A Musical Instrument Can Protect Brain Health