Cognitive Games Make the Brains of the Elderly 'Larger'

Results from a new study published in the Alzheimer’s Prevention Journal indicate that cognitive games can slow the natural decline of the brain associated with aging or even restore some brain function to its original state. According to Time magazine, Dr. Majid Fattouhi, director of a center specializing in cognitive game design, expressed his astonishment that simple interventions can make the brain larger, stronger, and more alert. These interventions include both physical and cognitive exercises. As reported by the Baltimore Sun, Dr. Fattouhi, who established one of the largest brain research centers in Virginia, USA, stated that the brain is not a static structure like a building or a computer; rather, it is always changing... The brain has the capacity to increase its size and even improve its efficiency as it ages. Time magazine reports that individuals who regularly exercise in middle age will have larger and healthier brains than their peers when they reach old age. Additionally, meditation and concentration can help maintain brain health. Dr. Fattouhi noted, 'After realizing that the brain can continue to grow in midlife, I wondered why we shouldn't use this growth as a substitute for the brain that deteriorates with age.' Fattouhi and his team studied 127 elderly individuals, all over the age of 70, who suffered from mild cognitive impairments due to aging; however, they were still able to perform their daily tasks. Mild cognitive impairments can be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Before the experiments, these individuals underwent MRI scans, and their short-term memory, long-term memory, mathematical ability, and orientation skills were measured. After identifying each individual's brain characteristics, they underwent an intensive three-month program of cognitive exercises and games. Part of this program included educational sections: these individuals learned how to meditate and concentrate. They were asked to follow a Mediterranean diet, reduce daily life stress, and improve their sleep. Another part of the program involved cognitive games tailored to each individual based on their brain weaknesses. They underwent a type of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy and participated in sessions with brain specialists, learning to monitor and change their brain waves. Dr. Fattouhi stated that they considered each individual separately and designed a specific program for them. After completing the three months of intensive training, the cognitive tests initially taken from these individuals were repeated. On average, the cognitive abilities of these individuals increased by five to ten percent. More than eighty percent of the participants showed significant improvement in at least three areas of their cognitive performance. Although this research is relatively small in scope and the research team could not determine which of the changes implemented during the three months had the most significant impact on brain growth, Dr. Fattouhi hopes that the results of this research can encourage doctors to explore alternative methods for maintaining the brain health of the elderly, beyond pharmaceutical solutions.