Do Videogames Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Do videogames prevent Alzheimer’s?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

While video games, particularly those designed for cognitive training, show promise in enhancing certain cognitive functions and potentially delaying cognitive decline, there is no conclusive evidence that they can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. More rigorous and well-designed studies are needed to establish the efficacy of video games as a preventive tool for AD. Nonetheless, incorporating video games as part of a broader strategy for cognitive health may offer benefits for older adults and those at risk of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. With the increasing prevalence of AD, there is a growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions that could potentially delay the onset or slow the progression of cognitive decline. One such intervention that has garnered attention is the use of video games, particularly those designed to train the brain. This article explores the current research on whether video games can prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

The Role of Video Games in Cognitive Training

Video games, especially those designed for cognitive training, have been proposed as a tool to enhance various cognitive functions. These games often target memory, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving skills. Research has shown that cognitive training through video games can lead to improvements in these areas, particularly in older adults.

Evidence from Research Studies

Several studies have investigated the impact of video games on cognitive functions in older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia.

1. Commercial Brain Games and Cognitive Training: A review of computerized cognitive training (CCT) interventions found that brain games could modestly benefit aspects of cognition and mood in patients with MCI. However, there was no direct evidence that these games could prevent dementia1.
2. Serious Gaming in MCI: Serious games (SGs), which integrate gaming with serious purposes, have shown potential in cognitive training. However, rigorous studies are still lacking, and more research is needed to evaluate their efficacy in preventing cognitive decline2.
3. Non-Action Video Games: A randomized controlled trial found that non-action video games could enhance certain cognitive abilities in older adults, such as processing speed, attention, and visual recognition memory. However, not all cognitive domains showed improvement3.
4. Virtual Reality and Serious Video Games: The use of serious video games and virtual reality for cognitive prevention and neurorehabilitation has shown promise. However, the majority of studies lack the methodological quality to draw reliable conclusions4.
5. Brain Games for Alzheimer’s: There is evidence that brain games can slow cognitive decline in AD patients and may delay or decrease the risk of AD in family members. These games stimulate the brain and can be played daily to exercise cognitive functions5.
6. Smart TV Applications: Cognitive games played on Smart TV applications have been accepted by patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. These games offer an easy and inexpensive way to stimulate brain activity and may help delay cognitive impairment6.
7. Cyberpsychology and Cognitive Training: Advances in preventive research suggest that video games with personalized simulation environments can be an effective tool for cognitive training. This approach has shown surprising effects on the brain7.
8. Meta-Analysis of Video Games: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that video games could promote cognition and functional capacity in MCI and dementia patients. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to methodological shortcomings in the included studies10.

Do videogames prevent Alzheimer’s?

Christopher Hertzog has answered Extremely Unlikely

An expert from Georgia Institute of Technology in Psychology

It is possible that the mental exercise engaged by challenging video games can sharpen some aspects of the mind. But nothing has yet been found that slows, let alone prevents, Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The history of AD research shows that many hypotheses have been tested, many pharmaceuticals have been tested, all without meaningful effect on the disease and its progression. We do not understand the etiology of the disease and we have no way of combating it, at present.

There is evidence that some people diagnosed with possible AD have fewer behavior symptoms (like memory loss) than might be expected given evidence of compromised brains, such as observed in using imaging to detect classic hallmarks of AD in living patients — amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles (tau). This has led to discussion about the concepts of brain reserve and cognitive reserve — ideas attributed to Y. Stern at Columbia University. Perhaps some individuals can tolerate more neural insult before the brain degeneration of AD or similar dementing illnesses results in symptoms, including progressive and irreversible loss of immediate memory. An AD patient who has progressed into moderate levels of disease impact can have a conversation with a doctor, the doctor can leave the room, and then quickly re-enter, and yet the patient will not remember having seen the doctor a few minutes before.

There is some limited evidence that vigorous aerobic exercise might help to build some degree of brain reserve that may slow emergence of AD symptoms. Other protective factors may inlcude education, although this is more controversial. What is not controversial is the stark reality that we do not understand the pathology of AD and therefore know of no way to prevent it. Video game training can develop specific cognitive skills, such as maintaining the focus of attention and resisting distraction, but it does not provide meaningful protection against AD. The article in question finds evidence of video-game related neural proliferation in an area of the brain associated with learning and memory (the medial temporal lobe, especially hippocampus) and argues this could signify changes that would protect against degeneration in conditions like AD. This is merely unconvincing speculation. The study reported in that paper has other obvious flaws, such as a limited sample size, increasing the likelihood of chance findings that will not replicate in follow-up studies.

Exercise the mind and the body. Live life fully and well in the time you have been granted. Do not think that by doing so you are protecting yourself against age-related brain diseases like AD. Scientists are working hard on the problem. Expect that until the causes are isolated and treatments are found, that people will recommend a variety of remedies, including brain training. Caveat emptor!

Do videogames prevent Alzheimer’s?

Joe  Verghese has answered Unlikely

An expert from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Neurology, Gerontology, Geriatrics

Playing videogames has been showed to improve specific cognitive processes such as attention or speed of processing. However, there is no evidence as yet to suggest that playing videogames will prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Do videogames prevent Alzheimer’s?

Philippe  Robert has answered Likely

An expert from Université Côte d’Azur in Psychiatry, Neuropsychology, Neurology

As other motor and cognitive training video game can help at the prevention phase.