Alzheimer’s and Technology: Three Promising Strategies

Although teenagers who play video games or spend too much time on their computers are often criticized for not keeping their minds active, new research finds that the opposite of this may be true. With the aging baby boomer generation, there has been renewed interest in exercises, nutrition, and other factors that can prevent or slow aging, especially mental deterioration that’s associated with aging. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are two diseases of particular interest. Although there are studies being done to determine what can help to slow down or even prevent these diseases, new research suggests computer use and playing video games as potential ways for keeping your mind sharp over time.

Computer-Based Training

Older adults may not have been trained on computer use, but taking up on this skill can improve both memory and mood, based on a 2013 study. A team of researchers looking at 20 years of data showed that training the brain to use a computer could lead to improvements in memory, learning and even attention. The study showed that the effect was preventative and didn’t seem to benefit individuals after they had already received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

What exactly is brain training?

This is a technique that exercises the brain by providing mentally challenging exercises on a computer that have the look and feel of video games. This study shows an important target for maintaining and even improving cognitive skills among anyone elderly, especially anyone at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It’s also a good strategy over time because it is safe and inexpensive. Taking the time to use these games is a method that works and can be used a few times a week or daily for maximum effectiveness.

Why exactly does this type of training seem to be effective? The exact link is unclear but many tools and strategies such as crossword puzzles have been used to keep memory and cognitive skills intact over time. The games that have been used in these studies challenge a person’s reasoning and memory skills. Additionally, unlike a crossword puzzle that stays the same from day to day although, with different words, computers can store hundreds of memory games, providing a greater challenge to anyone who uses them.

Coding and Alzheimer’s

Most programmers feel as though they are bilingual to a sense. Coding is a specific language that only computers understand and you need a good grasp of coding in order to build effective software programs. However, learning how to code is a challenge similar to learning a new language and may help to delay Alzheimer’s. Although there is no known cause of this disease, one of the risk factors involved is a low level of a person’s cognitive engagement.

Studies have shown that speaking two or more languages will help to delay Alzheimer’s development because people who are trained to speak multiple languages have a greater capacity to adapt and function over time. When studying this phenomenon, researchers wanted to know if programmers had a similar resistance to the disease.

The research in this area is still ongoing but looks promising based on early results. Both spoken and computer languages require grammar and processing symbols so there are many similarities. For seniors who want to keep their minds sharp, this may be an area to target. Learning how to code can be done at home or by taking a class and is also enjoyable for many people.

Daily Computer Use and Alzheimer’s

Another recent study looking at the link between Alzheimer’s and computer use found that there were noted cognitive benefits for individuals that used computers on a regular basis. In fact, people who used their computer on a daily basis for reading, game playing or even blogging, seemed to have a better memory than people who didn’t.

Why would this be effective? The study is currently still in process but it may be that computers offer a constant challenge. The layout of a computer hasn’t stayed the same over time and even standards, websites and programs like email are constantly being updated and changed. Having to learn new patterns and navigate websites may be a reason why computer-using individuals have seen improvements.

Final Thoughts

These three studies involving computers and cognitive decline offer three targets for both preventing and delaying Alzheimer’s. Although it will take more study to completely understand why these are effective, it may be beneficial to become involved in these areas, especially for older individuals at risk for developing Alzheimer’s.