No Brainer: New Support For Brain Games And Other Cognitive Enrichment

Back in October of 2025, we highlighted a new study that seemed to demonstrate that playing certain brain games could restore a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain, thereby lowering your risk of cognitive decline and improving memory and thinking skills. Now we have evidence from a new study, under the aegis of the ACTIVE research program (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly), that a specific game from Brain HQ, which challenges your brain with speed training, can substantially lower your risk of a dementia diagnosis by up to 25%. The game is called Double Decision, and a subscription for playing the game can be purchased for as little as $8/month. For a taste of how to play this computer game, grab your mouse and click here.

So what was the focus of this new research study? While we know that some risks for dementia are likely non-modifiable (such as your genetics), other lifestyle factors can be altered to lower your risk. What this new research seems to demonstrate is that certain brain game computer challenges can also lower your risk. In this US study of 2000 people aged 65 and above, participants were divided into 4 groups. First was a control group that did not engage in any brain games. The other three groups engaged in 3 different types of cognitive training: one focused on speed training and visual information; one focused on memory training; and one focused on reasoning- for example, deciphering patterns and solving problems. Those involved in the speed training group were then subdivided into 2 groups: one group was given a training “boost” at one year, and then again at three years, the other was not. At the study’s conclusion after 20 years, the speed training group (using the Double Decision game), which was given the “boosted” additional training, reflected a 25% lower risk of dementia (including Alzheimer’s) than any of the other groups. It appears that the targeted and reinforced speed training may influence your risk of dementia over the long term. 

This brain training was not, however, an easy ride. The training program was intense, with 60-75-minute sessions twice a week for 5-6 weeks. Furthermore, the speed training always kept participants challenged and at the edge of their abilities. The better participants became at the game, the harder the task. While researchers are not exactly sure of the mechanism behind the lowering of the dementia risk among these boosted Double Decision players, they hypothesize that the demands of the game may activate brain neurons and strengthen neural connections and brain plasticity. It is also possible that the Double Decision game preserves the chemical acetylcholine, an important factor in the earlier research we cited on agebuzz. While further research needs to be done to better understand the mechanism behind this research, the results are impressive. As one of the lead researchers commented, “It’s an astonishing result. It’s absolutely made me think that I have to get online and do the training.” 

However, it’s important not to be lulled into thinking that merely by playing a computer game (albeit a challenging one) you can eliminate your risk for dementia. We know that cognitive impairment and dementia result from a myriad of factors, so that, along with brain challenges, you need to focus on a healthy diet, exercise, good sleep, and social engagement, among other lifestyle choices. We also have an additional new study that appears to demonstrate that your cognitive health later in life is the result of not only your current activities but also what you’ve done to support your brain over the course of your life. In a new study published in Neurology, researchers surveyed 2000 adults, with an average age of 79, about their exposure to such brain-enriching habits as reading, writing, game playing, and language learning over the course of their lives. Unsurprisingly, those with the most exposure to cognitive-enriching activities had the greatest reduction in their risk for Alzheimer’s compared to those with the least exposure to these activities. Of course, these were self-reported exposures, and the study reflects a correlation, not causation. However, the results seem to coincide with other data that suggests engaging in brain-enriching activities can lead to stronger and more durable cognitive abilities even as you get older. And it’s never too late to read a book or go to a museum, or whatever else you find enjoyable and brain-engaging. So take out your library card and find out more here.