Brain training the way for dementia?

WHILE billions of pounds have been spent in the search for effective drugs, could it be that a little brain training is the best weapon in the fight against dementia?

Exciting research carried out four years ago showed a small amount of cognitive training significantly reduced the risk and incidence of dementia among older adults.

Now more than £32m is being provided to researchers in the US to carry on that work and test the effectiveness of BrainHQ computerised brain exercises in reducing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Thousands of people aged 65 and over will take part in the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training Study at the University of South Florida.

Dr Henry Mahncke, head of Posit Science – makers of BrainHQ – said: “This study addresses the central question that most people have about brain training – does training your brain reduce your chances of dementia?

“Billions have been spent in the thus far unsuccessful search for drugs to prevent MCI and dementia, and so it’s great to see a serious commitment to evaluating the plasticity-based training that has delivered so many promising results in recent studies.”

■ Try BrainHQ for free at www.brainhq.com