Speed Training Game Shown to Reduce Dementia Risk

Not all brain games are the same.

Many apps promise sharper memory, better focus, or protection against dementia. But research has found stronger evidence for one specific kind of brain training: speed-of-processing training.

One exercise used in this research is called Double Decision, available through the BrainHQ platform. It is not a memory quiz or a crossword-style puzzle. Instead, it trains the brain to quickly notice and respond to multiple pieces of visual information at once.

Here is how it works. A car or tractor flashes briefly in the center of the screen. At the same time, a Route 66 sign appears somewhere off to the side, surrounded by distracting road signs. The player must correctly identify both the vehicle and the sign’s location before they disappear.

As the player improves, the task becomes harder. The images flash more quickly, and the distractions increase. The goal is to train the brain to process visual information faster and more accurately.

That matters because researchers studying cognitive decline believe that processing speed may be an important marker of brain health. Memory loss often gets the most attention when people talk about dementia, but changes in how quickly the brain takes in and uses information may also be important.

Brain-training research has shown a 25% reduction in dementia risk linked to this specific type of speed training. That finding is promising, but it should be understood carefully. It does not mean every brain game lowers dementia risk. It also does not mean one app can guarantee protection from dementia.

The evidence applies to a specific training method, not to the broad category of brain games sold in app stores. Many commercial apps use similar-sounding claims but may not be based on the same research.

For older adults and families, the takeaway is practical: be selective. A game that is fun or challenging may still be worthwhile, but health claims should be backed by real studies. Look for programs that clearly explain the kind of training they use and the research that supports it.

Brain health is shaped by many habits, including regular physical activity, good sleep, social connection, managing blood pressure, treating hearing or vision problems, and staying mentally engaged. Speed training may be one useful tool, but it is not a replacement for overall health care.

Still, the research is encouraging. A simple visual training game that helps the brain process information more quickly may offer more than entertainment. It may point to a promising way to support brain health as people age.