...BUT COMPUTER GAMES MAY HELP

ANY product that says it can reduce or reverse cognitive decline should be viewed with caution, in my opinion.

Video-based brain games have come under fire for being over- hyped, for example. However, I admit that some ‘speed training’ games may show promise.

These are short, simple games where you hit a button when you see a red car on a fastmoving screen, for instance — and the way you focus while rapidly processing visual information seems to be surprisingly effective at slowing dementia.

One impressive 2016 study found that 11-14 hours of speed training over six weeks was enough to cut the risk of developing dementia by 29 per cent.

As the player answers correctly, the game becomes more difficult with more distractions making the targets harder to identify, and the speed is increased.

An interesting study in 2013 found a game called NeuroRacer, designed to help boost multi-tasking networks in the brain, really could work.

After older people played NeuroRacer three times a week for a month, they improved their ability to multitask beyond the level of even 20 year olds who played one single time.

Better still, those cognitive improvements lasted for six months with no more practice.

The reason this appeals to me is that certain cognitive abilities not specifically targeted by the game (specifically working memory and sustained attention) also showed enduring improvement. These skills are important for everyday tasks, such as handling the post and dealing with bills, planning and cooking meals.

Video games will never be a panacea, and unscrupulous companies will continue to sell video games on the back of false brain-boosting claims, but I am optimistic this could be a useful way to build cognitive reserve in future.