Video Games Show Potential In Improving Key Aspects Of Memory In Older Adults
Video Games Show Potential In Improving Key Aspects Of Memory In Older Adults
September 24, 2020
Summary
Being exposed to an environment filled with novel stimuli can benefit cognition, including memory.
Studies have shown that rodents placed in enriched environments, compared to sparse environments, experience increased generation of nerve cells in brain regions that are critical for memory encoding and retrieval.
The good news is that novel environments can be delivered, virtually, to the homebound, according to NIA-supported researchers who recently discovered that video games may be used to enhance cognitive health in older adults.
While memory performance was equivalent across groups prior to engaging in video game play, two weeks of Angry Birds™ or Super Mario™ gameplay resulted in improved recognition memory.
Video game interventions may be beneficial for individuals at any age and particularly for those who are homebound, thus unable to experience a wide variety of new environments.
Although video games may not be an ideal substitute for real-world experiences, they may serve as an additional method to improve cognitive health.
Enriching hippocampal memory function in older adults through video games.
Reference
Video games show potential in improving key aspects of memory in older adults. (n.d.). Retrieved January 06, 2021, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/video-games-show-potential-improving-key-aspects-memory-older-adults