Online Brain Training Exercises Improve Brain Networks in Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at McGill University have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against dementia, revealing that online brain training exercises can enhance brain networks affecting learning and memory in older adults. A 10-week study using the game-like app BrainHQ showed notable improvements in cholinergic function, a chemical system in the brain that declines with age and influences attention, memory, and decision-making. This study is the first to demonstrate an intervention that can restore cholinergic health to levels typically seen in someone 10 years younger.

Key Takeaways:

  • The McGill University-led clinical trial is the first in humans to show online brain training exercises can improve brain networks affecting learning and memory.
  • The study found 10 weeks' use of the game-like app BrainHQ by older adults enhanced cholinergic function, a chemical system in the brain that typically declines with age.
  • The training restored cholinergic health to levels typically seen in someone 10 years younger, offering a potential biochemical explanation for prior findings showing these exercises reduce dementia risk and boost cognition.
  • Researchers are planning a follow-up study to test the program in people with early-stage dementia.
  • The study enrolled 92 healthy adults aged 65 and older, with participants randomly assigned to either BrainHQ training or an active control using computer games designed for entertainment.
  • Only the BrainHQ group showed gains in cholinergic activity, as measured by a special PET scan and tracer that makes cholinergic reserves visible on the scan.
  • BrainHQ offers speed-based exercises that become progressively more challenging and attention-demanding, shown to be effective in hundreds of studies.
  • The program is already commercially available, making it an option for clinicians to discuss with patients interested in supporting brain health.

Statistics:

  • 92 healthy adults aged 65 and older participated in the study.
  • The study used a special PET scan and tracer that makes cholinergic reserves visible on the scan.
  • The training took place over 10 weeks, with participants using a tablet for 30 minutes per day.
  • Only the BrainHQ group showed gains in cholinergic activity.

Sources:

  • "Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training on Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter Levels using Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol Positron Emission Tomography in Healthy Older Adults: Results from the INHANCE Randomized Clinical Trial" by Mouna Attarha and Etienne de Villers-Sidani et al. (JMIR Serious Games)
  • National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (support for the study)