Maybe they do, but an article from the Boston Globe warns users to be skeptical. “Hope a computer program can assure mental fitness? Think again,” by Alice Dembner, warns “brain software” enthusiasts to tone down their joy until independent tests on games like Nintendo’s “Brain Age,” and Newton’s computer-based program “MindFit,” have been completed.
Within the last few months, the buzz in the world of Alzheimer’s and dementia research has been all about the benefits of computer games and puzzles that exercise the brain, strengthen cognitive skills, and promote memory retention. Dembner claims that seniors should not go out and spend their money, or more importantly, place all their faith in memory-retention methods like these that haven’t been rigorously tested.
Though truly exercising the brain will not harm you in any way, many people are now seeing mental acuity hinging on their ability to go out and buy the new Nintendo gadget. Others are forfeiting their physical exercises, just as important in the fight to delay dementia and Alzheimer’s, in favor of spending their time on crossword puzzles and hand-held gizmos.
However, until the jury returns verdict (five or 10 years down the road) on these brain exercisers, experts encourage older adults to use them in moderation, combined with healthy eating habits, stress-management, physical exercise, and keeping a thriving social life. There is no proof that these types of devices and activities are detrimental, and nimble brains are happy brains.
To read opinions on the some good and inexpensive computer games for seniors - according to a younger generation - go to this Epionions link.
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