Playing popular video games can make the brain appear thirteen years younger.

Imagine if the key to maintaining a youthful and sharp mind lies within a gaming console? While physical exercise has always been celebrated as the top method for brain health, a recent study has uncovered another unexpected approach to enhancing memory. Researchers have found that certain popular video games could potentially reverse cognitive aging by over a decade, surpassing the cognitive benefits of physical activity. The outcomes of the study even surprised the neuroscientists leading the research. Could your next regimen for boosting brain function involve a game controller instead of a treadmill?

Overview

• Gaming Enhances Brain Aging: Individuals who engage in gaming perform cognitively like individuals up to 13.7 years younger than non-gamers.
• Exercise Enhances Mood: Physical activity improves mental health but doesn't significantly impact cognitive function.
• Optimal Brain Health: It is recommended by researchers to combine physical movement with cognitive stimulation, such as video games, for the best brain health.

Reasons Why Gamers Might Have Sharper Minds Than Joggers

Engaging in physical activity is beneficial for brain health, a fact that has been extensively discussed and proven true. However, as previously mentioned, you can also challenge your brain by meditating, reading, solving puzzles, or playing video games without needing to be physically active.

So, when it comes to deciding between exercise and these alternative activities, which is the superior option?

A recent study sought to compare the effects of exercise and video games on brain health to determine which activity provides the most benefits. The findings of the research team revealed a surprising result.

Staying active is crucial. Whether you opt to take a walk, climb stairs, play ping pong, engage in intense bursts of vigorous activity, or simply tackle household chores, all these activities contribute to brain health as they involve physical movement.

Physical activity can be complemented by more relaxing activities like brain training. Various games are designed to train different cognitive aspects, such as Double Decision and Ebb and Flow. Video games like NeuroRacer and Project Evo have also shown promise in enhancing the cognitive abilities of older individuals.

However, questions still linger regarding how exercise and video games contribute to protecting against or improving age-related cognitive decline. Will the researchers at Western University, Ontario, Canada, be able to provide clarity on this matter?³

Exercise Enhances Brain Health But Doesn't Impact Intelligence

The study recruited 927 men and women aged between 47 and 65 for an online survey. Information was gathered regarding their education level, employment status, country of residence, existing health conditions, levels of physical activity, and hours spent playing video games in the past year.

Participants also underwent several online tests to evaluate various cognitive abilities. They were also assessed for symptoms of anxiety, depression, apathy, and low mood.

The results indicated that exercise and video gaming have distinct effects on the brain. Physical activity didn't show any correlation with cognitive performance but did enhance mental health. On the other hand, playing video games improved cognitive abilities but had no impact on mental health.

A more detailed analysis of the findings revealed:

• Exercise: Individuals who met or exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 150 minutes of physical activity per week were 12% more likely to report no symptoms of depression and 9% more likely to have no symptoms of anxiety. Those who didn't meet the guidelines were twice as likely to experience depression and 1.5 times more likely to have an anxiety disorder.
• Video games: Gamers outperformed non-gamers in memory, attention, and reasoning skills. Those playing a single type of game for five or more hours weekly performed cognitively like individuals 13.7 years younger. Meanwhile, those playing a variety of games for less than five hours a week performed like individuals 5.2 years younger.

The Evolving Landscape of Video Games

"The types of games that regular gamers engage with today differ significantly from conventional brain training games. Typically, these games are highly captivating, strategic, and can improve visual attention, processing speed, and problem-solving skills through intensive repetition and practice," stated a researcher.

He also mentioned that these intense games trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which could have long-term effects on cognitive function.

He continued, "Regarding exercise not influencing cognition, that was also unexpected; however, our study only examined the long-term effects of regular exercise, so it's possible that brief periods of intense exercise could impact cognition."

Regardless of whether there is a direct link between exercise and cognition, it is widely acknowledged that exercise releases endorphins, neurotransmitters, and hormones that elevate mood, reduce fogginess, and alleviate stress. It also enhances the brain's "growth hormone," brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), increases blood flow to the brain, reduces brain inflammation, and enhances sleep quality—all of which contribute to better overall mental health.

Prior studies have indicated that video games enhance cognition by increasing gray matter volume in the hippocampus, a crucial area for memory, improving the function of the prefrontal cortex involved in higher cognitive processes, releasing dopamine, and enhancing visual attention and processing speed.²

Our Conclusion

Professor Owen and his team concluded that a combination of physical and cognitive interventions would benefit the brain.

Therefore, continue with your exercise routines, and for those interested in trying out video games, participants in the study utilized puzzle games such as Minecraft and Hearthstone, role-playing games like Grand Theft Auto and Assassin’s Creed, and sports games like Need for Speed and Rocket League.

Summary

A significant study from Western University compared the cognitive impacts of physical exercise and video gaming in adults aged 47 to 65. While exercise enhanced mental health by reducing depression and anxiety, it didn't boost cognitive performance. Conversely, playing video games notably enhanced memory, reasoning, and attention skills, particularly with five or more hours of play per week. Participants performed on par with individuals 13 years younger cognitively. These findings challenge traditional beliefs about brain health and suggest that combining physical activity and video gaming could provide the best cognitive protection as we age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can video games actually enhance intelligence?

Indeed, specific types of video games—particularly strategic and action-oriented games like Minecraft and Assassin’s Creed—can enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning. In the study, regular gamers performed akin to individuals 13.7 years younger.

Does exercise contribute to brain health in any way?

Absolutely. Although this particular study found that exercise didn't directly enhance cognition, it significantly improved mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Exercise also supports brain function through improved sleep, reduced inflammation, and increased blood flow.

Can video games replace exercise for improving brain function?

No—both serve different purposes. Video games help sharpen cognitive abilities, while exercise improves mental well-being and physiological brain health. The optimal approach is to incorporate both for maximum benefits.

What types of video games are most beneficial for cognitive performance?

Games that are strategic, immersive, and involve problem-solving or rapid decision-making typically offer the most benefits. Examples include Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, Rocket League, and Hearthstone.

How much gaming is required to observe results?

The study revealed that playing a single type of game for over 5 hours per week was associated with the most significant cognitive improvements. Even those who engaged in various games for less than 5 hours weekly experienced noticeable gains.