Playing video games can stop MEMORY LOSS – and could now be offered to dementia patients

Scientists believe video gaming could boost memory

DEMENTIA patients and older people suffering from memory loss could benefit from playing 3D video games in a bid to protect their memory.

The gaming hero, Super Mario, a firm favourite with children and teenagers might be the answer in protecting one of our most precious assets, as scientists hail 3D video gaming as a viable treatment in the protection of age-related memory loss or dementia.

While crosswords and brain teasers have long been used as techniques to boost cognitive function, this is the first time three dimensional video games have been thrown in to the mix.

During a study, volunteers underwent memory tests before and after a two-week period of playing video games for half an hour, every day.

 



Traditionally video games are used by children and young adults



In the second tests they were asked to recall whether images had been altered from the first time they had been shown the pictures of everyday objects. Gamers were better able to recognise these shapes compared to non-gamers.

The research discovered volunteers playing the game Super Mario 3D improved their memory in tests by roughly 12 per cent, close to the amount it decreases between the ages of 45 and 70.

It is thought that three dimensional video games stimulate the hippocampus, the part of our brain vital to memory.

 



Playing 3D video games stimulates the part of the brain responsible for memory



The hippocampus reduces as we get older and is damaged by degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers and dementia.

Scientists explained that playing two dimensional video games, such as Angry Birds, sadly doesn’t have the same effect on memory.

US lead scientist Dr Dane Clemenson, from the University of California at Irvine, said: "The 3D games have a few things the 2D ones do not. They've got a lot more spatial information in there to explore. Second, they're much more complex, with a lot more information to learn. Either way, we know this kind of learning and memory not only stimulates but requires the hippocampus."

 

Researchers say video games keep us active and engaged

Co-author Dr Craig Stark, also from the University of California at Irvine, said: "Can we use this video game approach to help improve hippocampus functioning? It's often suggested that an active, engaged lifestyle can be a real factor in stemming cognitive ageing.

"While we can't all travel the world on vacation, we can do many other things to keep us cognitively engaged and active. Video games may be a nice, viable route.”

It’s not the first study to highlight the benefits of reaching for a games console, video games are also said to improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time.