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Study brain jogging apps show no beneficial effect on our memory
Above all, many older people try to train their brains with the help of crossword puzzles, sudokus or brain jogging apps. Finally, this should help to prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. However, a new study concludes that such apps do not improve memory performance.
More and more people with dementia
Around 47 million people worldwide live with dementia, in Germany there are about 1.5 million, most of whom have Alzheimer's disease. And the number of those affected continues to rise. To prevent illness, the brain should be trained, according to some experts. However, there is no evidence that brain jogging helps prevent Alzheimer's. And it does not seem to do any good for the memory, as a recent study shows.
Often older people are often advised to exercise their memory. But according to a new study bring brain jogging apps, crossword puzzles and co nothing for the memory.(Image: M. Schuppich / fotolia.com)
Train thought organ
Since the treatment options for Alzheimer's are still extremely limited and the existing therapeutic options can only delay the course of the disease, it is all the more important to take preventive measures.
How such a disease can be prevented, however, is not clearly proven. There has been evidence in research that healthy effects and regular brain training can be beneficial.
However, those who train their mind with the help of sudokus, crossword puzzles and special brain jogging apps seem to achieve much less than previously thought.
According to a recent study from the US, such apps have no detectable effect on memory and memory.
No detectable effect on memory and memory
The researchers led by Neil Charness of Florida State University (FSU) found in their study that so-called brain jogging has no detectable effect on memory and memory.
For the study published in the journal "Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience" they tested two groups of people on their memory performance.
One half dealt with a brain jogging game, the other with number or crossword puzzles.
Afterwards, it was examined whether working memory training had a positive effect on other mental abilities such as logic, memory or processing speed.
Sobering results
The result is sobering: According to the researchers, neither of the two training variants had measurable effects on the memory performance of the subjects.
"Our findings and previous studies confirm that there is very little evidence that these types of games can improve your life in a meaningful way," said Wally Boot of the FSU in a statement.
As Charness explained, even crossword puzzles and sudokus in terms of memory would not work. It also makes it easier to remember "where the keys are".
Physical activity has a positive effect on the brain
However, there are ways to train his brain, "If you really want to improve your mental abilities, you may be better off taking aerobics lessons than sitting in front of the computer and playing these games," Charness said.
Finally, research has shown that aerobics, among other things, leads to significant improvements in thinking ability in people with dementia. (Ad)