A Brain Game to Ward Off Dementia? What the Science Says

Daily Health

16/02/2026

When it comes to brain health, many people turn to memory puzzles and problem-solving tasks. However, a long-term study suggests a different kind of mental exercise may be more effective at potentially delaying dementia. Research following more than 2,800 older adults for two decades found that a specific, fast-paced computer game was associated with a significant reduction in dementia risk.

What is Speed of Processing Training?

The core concept behind the effective training is not memory, but “divided attention.” The game, known commercially as Double Decision, challenges a user’s ability to process information quickly from different parts of their visual field. For instance, a player might have to identify a central object, like a car, while also spotting a peripheral sign, like a Route 66 logo, that flashes on screen for a fraction of a second. As the player’s performance improves, the game adapts by getting faster and more difficult. This type of training relies on implicit learning—the automatic acquisition of a skill without conscious effort, similar to learning how to ride a bicycle.

The Evidence and Its Limitations

The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial, initiated in 1998, provided the data. It found that participants who completed an initial 10 hours of this speed training, plus additional “booster” sessions over three years, had a 29% lower incidence of dementia 10 years later compared to a control group. This benefit was not observed in groups that focused on memory or reasoning strategies.

However, it's important to view these findings with a balanced perspective. The benefit was only seen in the group that received the extra booster training, suggesting that continued practice is key. Furthermore, dementia diagnoses were identified through health records rather than specialized clinical testing, which is a limitation of the study design. While promising, the results do not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.

Why Might This Training Work?

Researchers have several theories about why this demanding, fast-paced training might protect the brain. One idea is that it activates neurons across different brain regions, enhancing connectivity and what is known as brain plasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself. This intense mental workout may help build “cognitive reserve,” which is the brain's capacity to withstand age-related damage and disease while still functioning normally. Another theory suggests the training may help preserve acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for focus and attention, which can decline with age.

A Piece of the Brain Health Puzzle

While the results are intriguing, experts caution against viewing any single activity as a magic bullet for preventing dementia. Cognitive training is just one component of a comprehensive approach to brain health. Maintaining a healthy brain involves a combination of lifestyle factors. For a holistic strategy, consider incorporating regular physical exercise, a balanced diet rich in nutrients, quality sleep, stress management techniques, and strong social connections. These elements work together to support long-term cognitive function and overall well-being.

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