Brainpower Of Elderly Is Boosted By Video Game

A simple video game devised by scientists dramatically rejuvenated the brains of pensioners after only 12 hours. The improvements were so great, they did better than those in their 20s at the driving-based challenge, said researchers. The multi-tasking ability, memory and attention span of the men and women aged 60 to 85 were all boosted by the �brain training� with some of the benefits still obvious six months later. The scientists said that their technique could be used to keep healthy older adults �at the top of their game� for longer. Brain training is a popular way of trying to keep the mind sharp into old age but views about its value to everyday life are mixed. However, the researchers at the University of California believe their NeuroRacer game is different as it was designed to improve multi-tasking, a skill known to deteriorate with age. Players use a joystick to navigate a car along a winding road while various signs pop up. Users must push a button when they see one particular sign while ignoring all the others. The game gets more difficult as a player improves but shouldn�t become so difficult that it is too frustrating to enjoy. Tests showed that a small amount of practice led to rapid improvements. After just 12 hours of using it on a laptop at home over a month, the pensioners fared better than players who were decades younger. Working memory and attention span also improved, despite the game not aiming to do this, reported the journal Nature.