Brain training app used to treat memory condition

Conclusion This small trial suggests that an iPad game aimed at training episodic memory – memory of locations and events – can lead to improvements in this aspect of memory in older adults with aMCI. The fact the study used a control group and an RCT design increases confidence in these findings. But there are some important things to bear in mind at this very early stage: The study was very small – the authors acknowledge that it needs to be repeated in a larger sample of people to confirm the findings. The game hasn't been tried in people with dementia, so we don't know if it would help them. The study only followed participants for four weeks. More studies are needed to see how long the improvements last, especially if participants stop playing the game, and whether motivation to play the game is maintained in the longer term. The researchers largely focused on performance in specific tests of episodic memory. It isn't clear whether the benefits seen in these tests would mean that the participants' memories were better in everyday situations. The participants playing the game did rate their memory as better, but it's unclear if they just meant their memory performance in the game or their memory in general. The group that played the game did so under the supervision of research staff. This level of attention may have contributed to their feelings of motivation and confidence. The opposite is true of the control group, who knew they weren't getting t...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Source Type: news