A recent study has unveiled that cognitive training, particularly “speed training,” can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. This groundbreaking research, the first of its kind, indicates that speed training can lower the likelihood of a dementia diagnosis by 25%.
Cognitive Training and Dementia Risk Reduction
The study was conducted by a team at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, led by Dr. Marilyn Albert. It encompassed a 20-year observation of 2,832 participants aged 65 and older. They were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups or a control group.
Study Methodology
- Participants engaged in a computer-based task called Double Decision that tests speed and attention.
- Groups received specific training: one focused on speed, while others on memory and reasoning.
- Sessions were conducted twice a week for five weeks, with some participants receiving booster sessions after the first and third years.
The assessment utilized Medicare claims data to track dementia diagnoses among participants twenty years later. Notably, those who completed the speed training, along with booster sessions, had a significantly lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s or related forms of dementia compared to control subjects.
Understanding the Findings
The results reveal a remarkable effect size, underscoring the potential benefits of cognitive training. Notably, no significant risk reduction was observed in groups that underwent memory or reasoning training alone.
Researchers emphasize that while the findings are encouraging, there are caveats. The study’s design involved numerous outcomes, which could lead to statistical anomalies. Dr. Walter Boot from Weill Cornell Medicine advises caution in interpreting these results.
Mechanisms Behind Speed Training
The exact reasons for the success of speed training remain unclear. Implicit learning, which occurs without conscious awareness, may play a crucial role. This method could create lasting changes in the brain’s architecture, potentially building a cognitive reserve that offers greater resistance to age-related decline.
- Increased attention and peripheral awareness may help in daily navigation and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Long-term engagement in activities that stimulate cognitive function could further enhance brain health.
- The study suggests that the dosage of training may influence its effectiveness.
Broader Implications
The findings raise questions about the optimal amount of cognitive training needed to delay dementia’s onset. While speed training has shown promise, other activities that promote implicit learning may also provide significant benefits.
Experts recommend engaging in new sports, hobbies, or crafts as viable alternatives to enhance cognitive health. These activities not only offer enjoyment but can also foster long-lasting changes in the brain.
In conclusion, cognitive speed training presents a compelling intervention to reduce dementia risk, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of brain health.
