Special computer games help “train” the brain

Using computer games to train cognitive abilities, thinking and memory can be especially useful in old age. Today, this is a rapidly growing business - even though the benefits of such therapy remain a big question. Its opponents usually claim that if such games improve anything, it is only the performance in the game itself, without affecting the overall “smartness”. However, now supporters of educational games have a new powerful argument.

American doctors conducted an experiment in which volunteers over 50 years old used a specially written Double Decision program to train the speed and accuracy of visual image recognition. Players spent 10 hours doing this activity, and a group that spent the same 10 hours solving regular crossword puzzles was used as a control.

All participants in the experiment (more than 600 people) took cognitive tests before starting the training, and then a year after the experience. During this time, members of the control group showed no improvement, but those who trained with the help of the training program significantly improved their test scores, despite the fact that a whole year had passed since the training.