Adaptive speed-brain training linked to lower dementia risk in older adults
A 20-year ACTIVE trial analysis found an adaptive, speed-focused brain game (Double Decision) reduced dementia diagnoses by about 25% in adults over 65 who completed the initial training plus booster sessions; memory and reasoning training did not lower risk. The benefit seems tied to booster sessions and may reflect increased brain connectivity and cognitive reserve, but causality is not proven and diagnoses were based on health records rather than clinical dementia subtypes. The study underscores brain health as part of a broader lifestyle approach.