Ever wonder if brain games actually make a difference to our cognitive health? They do! A study published in the Journal JMIR Serious Games found that certain brain-training exercises can increase levels of acetylcholine — a key brain chemical involved in memory, attention, and learning — in older adults. Low levels of acetylcholine have been linked to aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
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This 10-week study examined 92 healthy adults over 65. They were placed into two groups – one that played regular computer games such as Solitaire, and another that played structured, fast-paced cognitive training exercises like BrainHQ for 10 weeks. The participants spent 30 minutes daily on these activities.
What did the researchers find?
The group that played the speed-related games had a 2.3% increase in acetylcholine, the chemical we mentioned earlier. Doesn’t sound like much? Think of it this way, acetylcholine normally declines about 2.5% per decade with aging. So, this increase from playing structured brain games is equivalent to reversing about 10 years of age-related decline in that area.
As if that wasn’t enough good news, the researchers also noticed increases in other memory-related brain regions, like the hippocampus. As for those who played regular games like Solitaire, researchers didn’t notice any changes to acetylcholine levels.
What does this mean for cognitive health?
Some early Alzheimer’s medications worked by boosting acetylcholine levels. The researchers of this study suggest that targeted brain training might naturally boost acetylcholine. This is one of the first studies in humans to show that targeted brain training doesn’t just improve test scores — it appears to physically strengthen important brain systems tied to thinking and memory.
Do all brain games have the same brain-boosting effects?
No. According to the study, challenging, speed-driven, structured mental exercises — not casual games — can help strengthen key brain systems in older adults and can potentially reduce cognitive decline.