Video Games and Memory Improvement in Older Adults

Introduction

• Recent research supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) highlights the potential of video games to improve memory in older adults.
• The study focuses on the cognitive benefits of engaging in novel and enriched environments, which video games can provide.

Study Details

• Publication: Findings published in Behavioural Brain Research.
• Participants: Individuals aged 60 to 80.
• Hypothesis: Super Mario (3D environment) offers more cognitive benefits than Solitaire (2D) or Angry Birds (novelty-based).
• Duration: Participants played for 30-45 minutes daily for four weeks.
• Memory Tests: Conducted during and four weeks post-study.

Key Findings

• Initial memory performance was equal across all groups before gaming.
• Angry Birds & Super Mario: Showed improved recognition memory after two weeks.
• Super Mario: Continued to improve memory after four weeks, surpassing those who played Solitaire.
• Angry Birds: No additional improvements post the initial phase.

Implications

• Novel and rich 3D environments enhance cognition.
• Video games can serve as interventions to mitigate cognitive decline, especially for homebound individuals who can't access diverse environments.
• While not a substitute for real-world experiences, video games are a potential supplementary method to boost cognitive health.

Conclusion

• Video games may provide an accessible and entertaining way to improve memory in older adults.
• This research indicates broader applications for cognitive interventions using virtual environments.

References

• Clemenson G, et al. Enriching hippocampal memory function in older adults through video games. Behavioural Brain Research. 2020;390:112667. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112667.

Further Information

• Research supported by NIA grants: R01AG034613, R21AG056145, and P50AG016573.
• For more details, visit the National Institute on Aging: nia.nih.gov