New research suggests a surprisingly accessible way to potentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia: engaging in specific types of brain training. A 20-year study, initially begun in 1998, has revealed that a computerized game focusing on speed of processing and divided attention may lower the risk of cognitive decline by as much as 25%.
The study, formally known as the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial, involved over 2,800 participants aged 74 on average, all living independently and initially free of dementia. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three types of cognitive training – speed, memory, or reasoning – or a control group. The training involved an hour-long session twice a week for five weeks, with booster sessions at one and three years following the initial training. The total training time amounted to less than 24 hours.
What set this research apart was the specific type of cognitive exercise proving most effective. Rather than focusing on memory or problem-solving, the training centered on a game designed to test and improve the ability to quickly recognize two separate images simultaneously. The game presents a user with a scene – a desert, town, or farmland – and asks them to identify a vehicle within the scene while also locating a Route 66 sign appearing briefly on the periphery, surrounded by distracting images. As players improve, the images appear for shorter durations and the number of distractions increases, continually challenging their cognitive abilities.
“It’s what we call a task of divided attention in which you don’t have a conscious strategy on how to improve,” explained Dr. Marilyn Albert, professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and director of the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Baltimore. “You’re just trying the best you can to figure out how to divide your attention,” she added. The game was also “adaptive,” meaning it became more challenging as the player’s skills improved.
The long-term follow-up, spanning two decades, revealed a statistically significant 25% reduction in the risk of dementia among those who participated in the speed training and booster sessions. The memory and reasoning training groups did not demonstrate the same level of protective effect. These findings, published in , in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, represent a potentially important step forward in understanding how to mitigate the risk of cognitive decline.
While the results are promising, experts caution against oversimplification. The study focused on a specific type of brain training, and it’s unclear whether other brain games or cognitive exercises would yield similar benefits. The observed reduction in risk – 25% – does not guarantee complete protection against dementia.
The findings align with broader research indicating that maintaining cognitive activity throughout life can be beneficial for brain health. Recent reports suggest that engaging in mentally stimulating hobbies, such as reading, writing, and learning new languages, may reduce Alzheimer’s risk by nearly 40%. The precise mechanisms underlying these protective effects are still being investigated, but it’s believed that cognitive engagement helps to build cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to compensate for age-related changes and damage.
The ACTIVE trial’s success highlights the potential of targeted cognitive training interventions. The study’s design, a randomized controlled trial, is considered the gold standard for medical research, providing strong evidence to support the findings. However, it’s important to note that the study participants were a specific population – older adults without existing cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to determine whether similar benefits can be observed in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or those at higher risk of developing dementia.
The implications of this research extend beyond individual lifestyle choices. The findings suggest that accessible and relatively low-cost cognitive training programs could be a valuable tool in public health efforts to prevent and delay the onset of dementia. As the global population ages, the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise, placing increasing strain on healthcare systems and families. Identifying effective strategies for reducing dementia risk is therefore a critical public health priority.
While the study offers a hopeful message, it’s crucial to remember that dementia is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and social engagement – remains essential for promoting brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. The brain training game described in the study should be viewed as one component of a comprehensive approach to brain health, rather than a standalone solution.
