Increased Cognitive and Physical Exercise has the Potential to Protect Against Mental Decline that can Lead to Dementia
Seniors
have a greater chance of preventing cognitive decline by participating
in virtual reality-enhanced exercise known as ‘exergames’ compared to
traditional exercise, according to a new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The study is funded by Health Games Research,
a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Pioneer
Portfolio that explores ways to advance the research, design and
effectiveness of interactive games that are used to improve health.
Health Games Research grantee
Cay Anderson-Hanley, PhD, at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., and
colleagues looked at the difference in impact on adults age 58 to 99
playing virtual racing games while pedaling a stationary bike versus
traditional exercise alone. Researchers tested participants’ executive
cognitive function such as their ability to multi-task, problem-solve,
and working memory and attention. They discovered that ‘cybercycling’
two to three times a week for three months reduced the risk of clinical
progression to mild cognitive impairment by 23 percent compared with
traditional biking.
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