A new study suggests that merely engaging in memory training may not significantly contribute to preventing dementia, indicating the necessity for specific cognitive exercises and consistent practice.
A team of U.S. researchers has concluded that relying solely on memory training might be insufficient to combat dementia, based on an extensive study that spanned 20 years. The research revealed that only a specific form of cognitive exercise, aimed at improving processing speed for certain types of information, could significantly lower the risk of developing dementia. Importantly, the findings highlighted the necessity of consistency, as one-off training sessions were found to be largely ineffective in delaying the onset of dementia.
The study utilized data from the ACTIVE (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly) trial, which tracked 2,802 elderly participants from 1999 to 2019. As part of the trial, participants were randomly assigned to four groups focusing on distinct types of cognitive skills. The results brought to light the limitations of traditional memory exercises, suggesting that they might not offer substantial benefits in the battle against cognitive decline, which is a growing concern among older adults who engage in such activities hoping to stave off memory loss.
With an aging population increasingly facing cognitive health issues, these findings hold significant implications. They challenge widely held beliefs about the effectiveness of basic memory games and puzzles as protective measures against dementia. Instead, the study calls for a shift towards more tailored cognitive training that emphasizes sustained engagement and targeted mental exercises, thereby promoting a proactive approach to mental health as individuals age.
