Cognitive Speed Training Reduces Long-Term Dementia Risk

A recent study published in *Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions* reveals that cognitive speed-of-processing training significantly reduces the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, in older adults. Conducted as part of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study, this research followed 2,802 adults aged 65 and older over a span of 20 years. Participants who engaged in speed training—completing five to six weeks of sessions—demonstrated a 25% lower risk of dementia compared to a control group, with 40% of speed training participants diagnosed with dementia versus 49% in the control group.

SciTechDaily

The study's lead author, Dr. Marilyn Albert from Johns Hopkins Medicine, noted that the adaptive nature of speed training, which adjusts tasks based on individual performance, may contribute to its effectiveness. Unlike memory and reasoning training, which follow a fixed approach, speed training employs implicit learning through repetition and practice. This method enhances participants' ability to quickly process visual information and manage complex tasks, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.

SciTechDaily

The findings suggest that even modest nonpharmacological interventions like speed training can have significant long-term health benefits. Dr. Albert emphasized that even small delays in dementia onset could alleviate public health burdens and reduce healthcare costs. The study also indicates that integrating cognitive training with lifestyle changes—such as managing cardiovascular health and engaging in regular physical activity—may further support brain health, although further research is required to explore these synergies.

SciTechDaily

While the study presents promising results, it also highlights the need for additional research to understand the underlying mechanisms of speed training's effectiveness compared to other cognitive interventions. Dr. George Rebok, a principal investigator, acknowledged that while speed training shows potential, more evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy alongside lifestyle changes.

SciTechDaily

The study's findings are based on a substantial sample size and long follow-up period, yet the specific reasons why memory and reasoning training did not yield similar long-term benefits remain unclear. Further investigations are necessary to explore these discrepancies and enhance the understanding of cognitive training's impact on dementia risk.

SciTechDaily

“Seeing that boosted speed training was linked to lower dementia risk two decades later is remarkable because it suggests that a fairly modest nonpharmacological intervention can have long-term effects,” — Dr. Marilyn Albert, Director, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine.

SciTechDaily

“Our findings provide support for the development and refinement of cognitive training interventions for older adults, particularly those that target visual processing and divided attention abilities,” — Dr. George Rebok, Professor Emeritus of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

SciTechDaily

This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, underscores the potential of cognitive training as a preventive measure against dementia, paving the way for future research in this critical area of public health.

SciTechDaily