Watchdog group: Brain Age doesn't help

[wraggster]

Another organization is blowing an imaginary whistle on Brain Age and other similar products designed to sharpen minds. Consumer group Which assembled a panel of three neuroscientists to test the ideas that brain training games improve memory and help prevent dementia. The panel found "weak" or no evidence to support the claims.

"There is no evidence that using this product will have any functional impact on your life whatsoever," Dr. Chris Bird, one of the scientists involved with the study, said. The panel concluded that "surfing the internet or chatting to friends" would have the same prefrontal cortex blood flow effect as doing DS-based math. Basically, it means that, in terms of brain activity, Brain Age seems to work about as well as any other mentally-stimulating pastime.

"If people enjoy using these games, then they should continue to do so -- that's a no-brainer," said Which's Martyn Hocking (perhaps with pun intended -- emphasis ours). "But if people are under the illusion that these devices are scientifically proven to keep their minds in shape, they need to think again" (Hocking is just full of puns, isn't he?).

Nintendo responded, saying that it has never claimed scientific proof of Brain Age's effectiveness: "What we claim is the Brain Training series of games, like playing sudoku, are enjoyable and fun. These exercises can also help keep the brain sharp." It also helps your organization make the news!

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/wa...e-doesnt-help/

[krazedkat1]

I beg to differ. I am much faster at math now. Takes me a second or two each algebra question.

[crookedmouth]

What was the criteria of their testing? What evidence did they find?

I've never even played any of these Brain Games but I would be willing to bet good money that a person who played games like this into their advanced years would be less likely to get dementia or alzheimers. This is merely going on the old adage "use it or lose it" so of course playing sudoku would have the same effect.

[Eyedunno]

I beg to differ. I am much faster at math now. Takes me a second or two each algebra question.

But studying/practicing algebra would have the same effect, and that's the point this group is making. I've also made the same point myself probably a couple years ago in a slightly different way.

Yes, it's true that games like Brain Age stimulate certain areas of the brain a lot when you first pick them up, but so will playing any game, and as you practice something, you get better at it, and the areas of the brain responsible consequently need less blood flow. So basically, the games' implication that your brain gets "younger" as a result of these games is completely bogus - your brain just gets used to the activities, and you become able to do them more quickly (and will less mental effort).

[nintendopetey]

I don't really care

[Viteh]

now I dont feel that bad about my Brain Age being 38 lol