London - Brain training computer games designed to boost the mental ability of the elderly are a waste of time and money, scientists have claimed.
Companies that make handheld gadgets and games consoles have created a £640-million global industry aimed at baby boomers entering their twilight years, with software claimed to stimulate the brain, improve cognition and boost memory.
But a study found that while computerised cognitive training with expert supervision was effective at improving memory and spatial awareness, brain training conducted at home alone had no beneficial effect.
Professor Michael Valenzuela, of the University of Sydney, whose research considering 51 clinical trials is published in the journal PLOS Medicine, said: “Commercial products promoted for solo training use at home just don’t work. There are better ways to spend your time and money.”
Study co-author Dr Amit Lampit said supervised training one to three times a week was effective, but any more than this neutralised the benefits. - Daily Mail