This study, published in Nature, concludes that brain training games led to participants’ being better at the games—but did not show improvement in general brain function.

However, researchers say more work needs to be done to see if these games can help a fit brain stay fit over time.

The study was sponsored by the BBC.

A meeting presentation this week at the annual American Academy of Neurology showed that elderly people who exercise or use computers get cognitive benefits—and those who exercise and are online see benefits far greater than one would expect. It’s as if each activity gives the other a big boost.

This research area—brain “fitness” if you will—is big and will only get bigger as the population ages.

Anecdotally, professors tend to have brains which age well, which may be a clue, too. Professors’ brains are engaged more than most for most of their lives. They are doing brain “workouts” nearly every day. Again, that is only an anecdotal observation some have noted.

So, let’s use a little of what my father calls horse sense here. (He thinks horses are smarter than people much of the time.) A person who has plenty of interests, who stays engaged in the world and people around them not only is creating a good life but, very likely, also helping the brain’s functions stay in good working order.

That said, I know many brilliant people whose lives were packed with substance and friends who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. We are not in control. Do not let studies seeking causes and effects or risk factors make you feel as if you are in charge. None of us is.

BBC

“Brain training games do not improve overall brain power, a scientific study launched by the BBC suggests.

“The largest ever investigation followed 11,430 people over six weeks to see what effect, if any, playing brain training computer games would have.

“While players got progressively better at the games, the gains were not transferable, Nature journal reports.

“Players gained nothing in terms of general reasoning, memory, planning or visuospatial abilities, experts found.

“But they say more work is needed to see if workouts for the mind can help keep the brain “fit” as it ages.” (Emphasis added)

Source: BBC, April 20, 2010

Citation: Nature, Online. Final version not yet available. doi.10.1038/nature9042