New research indicates that therapeutic games and brain stimulation may help to mitigate cognitive decline in older adults. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that seniors who played therapeutic games or received transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) showed improved performance on tests of attention and executive function, compared to seniors who did not receive any intervention.
The study’s authors note that cognitive decline is a major public health problem, and that effective interventions are urgently needed. They believe that their findings “support the use of non-invasive brain stimulation and cognitive training as promising interventions to improve cognitive functions in older adults.”
The study included 48 seniors, aged 60-85. Half of the participants received tDCS, while the other half played a cognitive training game designed to improve attention and executive function. The tDCS group received a 20-minute brain stimulation session, while the game group played the game for a total of 30 minutes.
Both groups showed improved performance on tests of attention and executive function after the intervention, but the tDCS group showed slightly greater improvements. The researchers believe that brain stimulation may help to “jump start” the brain, making it more responsive to cognitive training.
The study’s authors note that larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm their findings. However, they believe that their study provides “preliminary evidence” that therapeutic games and brain stimulation may help to reduce cognitive decline in older adults.
Older adults are at risk for cognitive decline, which can lead to problems with memory, language, and executive functioning. Therapeutic games and brain stimulation can help to mitigate cognitive decline in older adults.
There is evidence that cognitive decline can be slowed or even reversed with the help of certain interventions, such as therapeutic games and brain stimulation. These interventions can help to improve cognitive functioning in older adults, which can in turn help to improve quality of life.
Therapeutic games are designed to improve specific cognitive skills. One example is the game “Dual N-Back”, which has been shown to improve working memory. Other games, such as “Speed Memory”, can help to improve processing speed and verbal memory. There are many different therapeutic games available, and it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the individual’s needs.
Brain stimulation, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can also help to improve cognitive functioning in older adults. tDCS involves the delivery of a low-intensity current to the brain, while TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. Both tDCS and TMS have been shown to improve working memory, executive functioning, and language.
Both therapeutic games and brain stimulation are safe and effective interventions for cognitive decline in older adults. These interventions can help to improve cognitive functioning and quality of life.
