A decades-long study is challenging conventional wisdom about preventing dementia, suggesting that a specific type of cognitive training – focused on speed of processing – can significantly delay diagnosis of the condition, but only with sustained reinforcement. The findings, released this week, offer a potentially affordable and accessible intervention for a growing global health crisis.
The research, stemming from the ACTIVE (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly) study, tracked over participants aged and older for two decades. Published earlier this week, the study revealed that individuals who underwent speed-of-processing training, and crucially, participated in booster sessions years later, experienced a percent reduction in dementia diagnoses compared to a control group. The results were indicated by Medicare claims data, according to researchers.
The speed-of-processing training involved computer-based exercises designed to rapidly identify and react to visual stimuli. Participants were challenged to quickly detect objects in complex scenes, demanding heightened attention and reaction time. Unlike training focused on memory or reasoning, this approach appears to tap into more unconscious cognitive processes, potentially leading to more durable changes in the brain.
“This study shows that simple brain training, done for just weeks, may help people stay mentally healthy for years longer,” said Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in a statement released on . “That’s a powerful idea – that practical, affordable tools could help delay dementia and help older adults keep their independence and quality of life.”
However, the study emphasized the importance of ongoing reinforcement. The benefit was only observed in participants who received booster training sessions and months after the initial program. Those who only completed the initial training showed no significant long-term effect. This finding underscores the need for sustained cognitive engagement, rather than a one-time intervention.
The ACTIVE study divided participants into four groups. One group received the speed-of-processing training, two others focused on memory or reasoning strategies, and a fourth served as a control group. The -year follow-up revealed the distinct advantage of the speed training, particularly when combined with booster sessions. According to data from Johns Hopkins Medicine, out of ( percent) participants in the speed-training group with boosters were diagnosed with dementia, compared to out of ( percent) in the control arm.
Researchers are still investigating the precise mechanisms behind the observed benefits. One theory suggests that the speed-of-processing training strengthens “implicit learning” – unconscious cognitive processes that are believed to create more stable changes in the brain. The adaptive nature of the training, which continuously increases the difficulty of tasks, may also enhance attention and reaction time, bolstering what is known as “cognitive reserve” – the brain’s ability to withstand age-related damage.
“The findings reported here suggest that moderate cognitive training could delay the onset of dementia over subsequent years,” said Richard Hodes, director of the NIH’s National Institute on Aging, which funded the research. “There is still more research to be done to determine about how this works, but this promising lead may move the field further into developing effective interventions to delay or prevent onset of dementia.”
Experts caution against viewing the training as a standalone solution. Andrew Budson of Boston University emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to brain health, stating that regularly challenging the brain through new skills, physical activity, and creative pursuits can also contribute to delaying the onset of dementia. The study does not suggest that computer exercises alone are sufficient, but rather that they can be a valuable component of a broader strategy.
The implications of this research are significant, given the rising prevalence of dementia worldwide. As populations age, the number of individuals affected by the condition is expected to increase dramatically, placing a strain on healthcare systems and families. The potential for a relatively low-cost and accessible intervention like speed-of-processing training offers a glimmer of hope in addressing this growing public health challenge. The study’s findings are likely to spur further research into the optimal design and implementation of cognitive training programs, as well as a broader exploration of lifestyle factors that can promote brain health throughout life.
