A 20-year study published in “Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions” found that adults who engaged in specific brain training games were 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The study followed nearly 3,000 older adults who participated in cognitive training sessions in the late 1990s, dividing them into speed, memory, and reasoning training groups. Speed training, which involved processing visual information quickly and making rapid decisions, showed the most significant and lasting benefits, likely due to its adaptive and personalized nature that may physically strengthen brain connections.

The research highlights that cognitive training can have enduring positive effects on memory and daily functioning, with benefits persisting up to two decades after initial sessions. Importantly, the study suggests it is never too late to start brain training, as participants aged 65 to 94 all experienced benefits regardless of age. These findings reinforce previous research indicating that brain training is a safe and effective strategy to reduce dementia risk and maintain cognitive health in older adults.