Many have heard the adage “use it or lose it” when it comes to muscle strength. As we age, we do lose muscle strength because we lose muscle mass in a normal change of aging called sarcopenia. But is also true that we need to use it or lose it when it comes to the brain “muscle”? Unfortunately, for several cognitive functions, including word finding and working memory, there is a ‘lose it” component that does occur with aging. But what about the effect of “using it” by playing “brain games” like crossword puzzles, chess or even computer games? Researchers across the globe are investigating this question. “Brain training” would be an easy fix. It doesn’t have any side effects or require FDA approval. It’s something older adults can do without even leaving their homes. But does it work? At the moment, the evidence is hopeful but inconclusive.
There are dozens of studies on whether cognitive games help people with mild or moderate dementia slow the progress of the disease. Recently, a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked into the topic. Researchers tested both computerized brain games and crossword puzzles to find out if they were effective in slowing the progression of mild cognitive impairment. In the study, 107 older adults with mild cognitive impairment played games four times a week. One group used the cognitive training program Lumosity and the other group worked on a digital crossword puzzle. Researchers followed the participants for more than a year, assessing their cognitive and functional skills and measuring their brain volume with MRIs throughout the study. Interestingly, the older adults who did the crossword puzzles regularly had significantly less cognitive decline, better functional skills and maintained more brain volume compared to those assigned to play the brain training game. Researchers did conclude that more research is needed to better understand why the crossword puzzles worked better.
What about other evidence-based interventions to prevent cognitive decline? The National Academy of Medicine has published a 162-page report written by a team of doctors, neurology experts and psychologists that details what we know about aging and cognition. The report found that managing blood pressure and increasing physical activity levels are two important ways to prevent and manage cognitive decline. It also found, like other reviews, that the evidence for cognitive training is encouraging but inconclusive so far.
The take-home message: While there isn’t firm evidence yet, brain training with things like computer games or crossword puzzles may help to prevent and slow the progression of cognitive decline.” And besides, it’s fun so why not?
Parts of this column were taken from “Do Brain Games Help Prevent Dementia?” in Evidence-Based Living, Cornell University: https://evidencebasedliving.human.cornell.edu/
