Brain Training Games Enhance Cognitive Function in Healthy Subjects

As individuals undergo the natural process of aging, notable changes take place within key brain regions, specifically the prefrontal cortex, the medial temporal lobe system (which includes the hippocampus), and the cerebellum. Consequently, cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and analytical abilities experience a functional decline with age. Researchers from King Saud University in Saudi Arabia have highlighted the potential of brain training games (BTG) in enhancing cognitive functions. In a study, they enlisted 51 healthy subjects to engage in a computerized cognitive training game called Lumosity for approximately 15 minutes per day, 7 days a week, over the course of 3 weeks. Lumosity is a brain training application available on IOS/Google Play, offering exercises designed to target various cognitive functions, including attention, processing speed, visual memory, and executive functions.
The performance index of the participants in the Lumosity training group showed a significant improvement compared to the control group at the conclusion of the training period. While the effectiveness of BTG is expected to hold greater clinical relevance in elderly and diseased populations, it's important to consider that older individuals may not engage with the game on a daily basis due to the challenges associated with adapting to technology. These factors could potentially influence the outcomes of such studies.