09 August 2023
Written by Lizzie Quarterman,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is estimated that the number of people living with dementia will increase significantly in the coming years. There is no cure for dementia, but there may be ways to delay its onset and slow down its progression. One popular approach is the use of brain games, which claim to improve cognitive function and prevent or delay the onset of dementia. So, do brain games help with dementia? Find out below.
Brain games, also known as cognitive training or brain training, refer to activities or exercises designed to stimulate and challenge the brain's cognitive abilities. These games target various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and reasoning. The concept behind brain games is that engaging in these activities regularly may lead to an improvement in cognitive function, including for individuals with dementia. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of brain games in preventing or treating dementia is still a topic of ongoing research and debate within the scientific community.
The idea behind brain games is rooted in the concept of neuroplasticity. This is the brain's ability to reorganise and form new neural connections throughout a person's life. The theory of neuroplasticity suggests that by regularly engaging in mental exercises, people can strengthen cognitive abilities by stimulating their brain cells.
Brain games often involve puzzles, memory exercises that make use of playing cards, for example, word games, and pattern recognition tasks. They’re designed to challenge and engage the brain and encourage people to think critically and exercise their memory and problem-solving skills.
These games may be presented through smartphone applications, computer software, or traditional pen-and-paper formats.
The effectiveness of brain games in preventing or delaying dementia is a topic of ongoing research and scientific debate. We have compiled an overview of the evidence both supporting and questioning their effectiveness.
Certain studies have found that engaging in brain games can lead to short-term improvements in specific cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and processing speed. These improvements are often seen within the trained task.
It’s also been found that brain training can lead to transfer effects, where the benefits of training extend to other cognitive tasks or real-world activities that were not directly trained. This implies the potential for cognitive improvements beyond the specific brain game.
Brain games have demonstrated benefits in certain populations, such as older adults without cognitive impairment or individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These benefits include better cognitive performance and enhanced functional abilities.
It is believed that the cognitive improvements gained from brain games tend to be short-lived and do not necessarily translate into long-term benefits or delay the onset of dementia. The gains may fade over time without sustained training.
It’s also believed that some improvements seen in brain games may not necessarily translate to improvements in real-world cognitive functioning or daily activities too. The skills learned in the game may not readily transfer to complex, multifaceted cognitive tasks encountered in everyday life.
Additionally, there is a lack of consensus among studies on the efficacy of brain games, and the findings are often inconsistent. Many studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and variations in training protocols, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
There are, of course, alternative methods for potentially preventing or delaying dementia. They include engaging in regular physical exercise, following a healthy diet, staying mentally and socially active, managing chronic diseases effectively, prioritising quality sleep, and maintaining good mental and emotional well-being.
While these approaches may have some potential benefits, they do not guarantee the prevention or delay of dementia. It is important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalised recommendations and comprehensive care.
In summary, brain training for dementia patients is a topic that continues to generate both interest and debate. While there are studies suggesting short-term cognitive benefits and possible transfer effects, the overall effectiveness of brain training in preventing or delaying dementia remains uncertain. If you’re caring for a loved one, it’s important to approach brain training as one component of a comprehensive dementia management plan, alongside other strategies such as physical exercise, healthy diet, social engagement, and regular medical care.
By adopting a holistic approach and consulting healthcare professionals, individuals with dementia can benefit from better support on their journey towards maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.
If you’re caring for somebody with dementia, Complete Care Shop has put together a family guide to dementia to provide some support. If you need some guidance when helping a loved one or would like professional support, seek our help and advice section.
For anything else, or if you’d like to speak to one of our team of occupational therapists, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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