Some Cognitive Functions can be Improved by Brain Training Computer Game

A study published Jan. 11 in the online journal PLoS ONE says that the brain training computer game "Brain Age" can improve executive functions and processing speed, even with a relatively short training period. However the game does not affect global cognitive status or attention.

The study compared the cognitive functions for 32 elderly participants before and after four weeks of playing a computer game, either Brain Age or Tetris, for 15 minutes per day, at least five days a week. At the end of the four weeks, the researchers found that the Brain Age players showed small improvement in their executive functions and processing speeds, but other cognitive functions were unchanged.