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Brain fitness reduces risk of depressive symptoms - Unexpected Side Effect: Makes You Happier
In a study published in The Journals of Gerontology (Medical Sciences), researchers found a
brain fitness program measured initially for its impact on cognitive abilities in older adults also had a significant beneficial impact on symptoms of
depression.
The findings are part of an ongoing study funded by the National Institutes of Health and known as the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study.
The ACTIVE study randomly assigned participants to four groups: one group did computerized brain exercises, a second group took classes in memory strategies, a third group took classes in reasoning and a fourth group served as a control that engaged in no special activity.
Researchers found that participants in the study who engaged in the computerized brain
exercises, which were designed to improve visual speed, accuracy and expanse of processing, had significantly better outcomes in key measures related to mood in one-year and five-year follow-ups. Participants in the other three groups did not have similar beneficial outcomes on this measure.
Researchers hypothesized two possible reasons why the brain exercise group was less susceptible to worsening depressive symptoms. First, they observed that the group had experienced an
increase in brain processing speed and other quality of life measures that may have made their day to day experiences more positive. Second, they observed that the attentional demands and rewards and the procedural learning requirements of the computer program may have stimulated the chemical system or other parts of the brain that affect mood.
"Earlier findings have shown that these particular brain exercises improve speed of processing,
health related quality of life and ability to engage in activities required for independent living," said Fred Wolinsky, PhD of the University of Iowa, the lead author on this study. "This study is important because it shows that a relatively small amount of the right kind of
brain fitness training can change the trajectory of aging, even five years later, by helping people
experience a happier life. In the end, that's really what we all want for ourselves and our loved ones."
The training used in the study is now commercially available for the first time as part of the InSight brain fitness program from Posit Science.
Source: Posit Science 03 09
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