Brain Training for Dementia: How They Help The Mind

How does Brain Training and Dementia help seniors with their cognitive health? One of the most common reasons for the imposition of a guardianship is the onset of dementia.  Dementia is when a person is no longer able to manage their financial or medical affairs as a result of cognitive impairments, guardianship, in the absence of powers of attorney, may be appropriate. However, in a study recently released at the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference, new clinical trial results indicate specialized brain training can assist in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive deficits.

So does Brain Training work?

The ten-year study showed that a group of seniors were cognitively healthier than a group that received no training.  Those seniors who received training were broken down into three groups.  One group got a classroom-based coursed designed to impart strategies aimed at boosting memory. Another group participated in a course to sharpen reasoning skills.  A third group focused to increase the speed at which the brain picks up and processes cues in a person’s field of vision.  Compared with participants who received no training at all, those who participated in these various training sessions were 45% less likely over ten years to experience dementia or cognitive decline.

Many companies market computer-based brain-training programs and it has become a multi-million dollar industry.  However, in the past, the industry has been subject to criticism for hyping the long-term effects of such training.  However, in light of this most recent study, it is hopeful further research will lead to discovery of the right amount of cognitive training to get the optimal benefits.