Computer Game May Slow Cognitive Decline

Playing certain types of computer games may help to keep the brain sharp and ward off cognitive decline, new research suggests. Professor Frederic Wolinsky of the University of Iowa College of Public Health, and colleagues investigated the effect of a mental agility computer game on the brain of 681 healthy people aged 50 and over. Participants were separated into 4 groups – 1 group was given computerized crossword puzzles, while the 3 other groups were asked to play a video game called "Road Tour." Results showed that participants who played the game for at least 10-hours, gained at least 3-years of cognitive improvement when tested after1-year. While participants that got 4 additional hours of training with the game did even better, improving their cognitive abilities by 4-years. The researchers also found that those who played the "Road Tour" game also scored far better than the crossword puzzle group on tests involving executive function, such as concentration, nimbleness with shifting from one mental task to another, and the speed at which new information is processed. The improvement ranged from 1.5 years to nearly 7 years in cognitive improvement. "It's the 'use it or lose it' phenomenon," said Professor Wolinsky. "Age-related cognitive decline is real, it's happening, and it starts earlier and then continues steadily. The good news is we can do something about it.”