Successful aging depends on fostering a healthy old age. There are scientific initiatives aimed at reducing the probability of cognitive deficit associated with age by creating a greater cognitive reserve.
Even in the absence of serious pathologies that lead to significant alterations in cognitive processes, older adults present a cognitive profile characterized by a slowing down in information processing and changes in recent memory and some executive functions, which is why many people wonder if it makes sense to develop programs and exercises to prevent cognitive decline when it seems to be an irremediable process. Flicker (2010) states in a study that the aging process is determined by genetic factors by 25% and by the environment by a significant 75%. This opens the door to what we know as primary prevention.
All these changes in cognitive processes that are normal in old age have been addressed with traditional cognitive stimulation exercises using pen-and-paper tasks or recommending crosswords and other pastimes. However, advances in the world of technology and greater training in aging and dementias allow us to think about new approaches to preventing cognitive decline.
The use of more fun and stimulating cognitive stimulation games that provide immediate feedback to the player and novel neurofeedback techniques that modify brain activity patterns are interesting options. Thus, the use of computers offers attractive possibilities for working on varied cognitive processes such as reaction speed, response inhibition, or avoidance of distractors. The same applies to other devices such as latest-generation mobile phones and tablets, which are easier for older adults to handle.
The aim is for people not to settle and to maintain adequate cognitive performance despite their age: remembering where they parked the car, concentrating while reading, or responding quickly to environmental demands. With Internet access, there has been a greater dissemination of portals dedicated to the difficult task of creating in all of us the need to work the mind to avoid cognitive deficit. It’s the “use it or lose it” philosophy, understanding that cognitive processes that are not worked through adequate cognitive stimulation increase their probability of deteriorating over time, as Jean Lamarck already proposed in 1802 regarding the use and disuse of bodily organs.
The most recent studies also use neurofeedback techniques as a way to prevent cognitive changes associated with aging. These procedures are applied with the aim of modifying the brainwave pattern that is affected in older adults. Until now, these modern treatments have remained accessible only in clinical or research contexts. However, efforts are being made to bring and adapt neurofeedback devices to the general population with more comfortable and easy-to-install electroencephalography headsets for each user’s home.
In cases where cognitive decline cannot be avoided, such as that associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s type dementia, a secondary prevention program must be considered. Here, again, cognitive stimulation has proven to be an adequate intervention to delay the cognitive deficit characteristic of the disease, where cognitive deterioration is progressive, from the ability to orient oneself and remember, to the skills of recognizing people and communicating.
ISEP’s Master’s in Aging and Dementias allows you to discover the power of cognitive stimulation. Keeping the brain fit and doing so as early as possible is important as it will protect us for the future. To do so, we can always use traditional methods, but using new technologies and devices is a highly recommended and very fun option.
Unobrain is the world’s first Online Brain Fitness Club. The Brain Fitness concept is based on establishing brain-healthy lifestyle habits through brain training, stress control, neuronutrition, and physical exercise. Cognitive training aims to make mental functions more fluid and, thus, make daily tasks easier for us (Fernández-Calvo et al., 2011; Zamarrón et al., 2008).
Collaboration with expert neuropsychologists has allowed the creation of Unobraining as a personalized online brain training program based on scientific studies. It is structured in the form of brief sessions (15 minutes) in which several games are regularly practiced. These work on different aspects of our mental functioning such as working memory, resistance to distraction, or cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, its design allows you to compare your performance with that of other club members and thus analyze your progress not only individually.
Finally, Unobraining can be used by professionals dedicated to the prevention of cognitive decline as a material that complements classic pen-and-paper tasks. Some advantages of computer-based cognitive games are their motivating role, their playful nature, and their greater relation to some daily tasks.