A cognitive speed-training game that reduces dementia risk appears to boost the brain's clearance of a key protein in men but not women, according to new research presented this week.
Hye Won Chai of Clemson University presented the findings on 12 July at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London. The study involved 53 people aged 65 and older, including 13 men, who completed between 2 and 4 hours of speed training each week for 4.5 months.
The training, which requires recalling the positions of flashing objects with increasing difficulty, raised the ratio of two forms of beta-amyloid in the blood of male participants. This change suggests improved clearance of beta-amyloid 42, the protein that forms plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.
The same effect was not observed in women or in control groups playing other games. Chai noted that earlier research linked the training to a 25 per cent lower risk of Alzheimer’s diagnosis over 20 years.
Further studies are planned to examine mechanisms in women and to test the results in more diverse populations.
