GAME ENGAGEMENT AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS PREDICTS LATER-LIFE COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
2024
Game Engagement and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults
Sample size: 1200
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Mansoor Marrium, Katz Ben
Primary Institution: Virginia Tech
Hypothesis
Does gameplay in middle age predict cognitive performance in later life?
Conclusion
Playing word games more frequently in middle age is linked to better cognitive performance 14 years later.
Supporting Evidence
- Previous studies linked intellectually stimulating activities to better cognitive outcomes.
- Only word games predicted global cognition in the study.
- The study accounted for baseline cognition, age, gender, and education.
Takeaway
Playing games like word games can help keep your brain sharp as you get older.
Methodology
The study used a nationally representative sample to examine the relationship between gameplay frequency and cognitive performance over 14 years.
Limitations
The association is modest and requires further exploration.
Participant Demographics
Middle-aged and older adults, average age 64.91 years, with a range from 50 to 91 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.039
Statistical Significance
p=0.039
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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