Successful aging depends on fostering a healthy old age. There are scientific initiatives aimed at reducing the likelihood of a 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 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 this 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 an important 75%. This opens the doors 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 deterioration.
The use of more fun and stimulating cognitive stimulation games that provide immediate feedback to the player and novel neurofeedback techniques that modify the pattern of brain activity are interesting options. Thus, the use of computers offers attractive possibilities for working on varied cognitive processes such as reaction speed, inhibition of responses, 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 goal 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. Access to the Internet has led to a wider dissemination of portals dedicated to the difficult task of creating in all of us the need to work the mind to avoid cognitive deficit. This is the “use it or lose it” philosophy, understanding that those 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 pattern of brain waves 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 electroencephalography headsets that are easier to install in 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 learn about the power of cognitive stimulation. Keeping the brain in shape 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 simpler for us (Fernández-Calvo et al., 2011; Zamarrón et al., 2008).
Collaboration with expert neuropsychologists has made it possible to create 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 at an individual level.
Finally, Unobraining can be used by professionals dedicated to the prevention of cognitive deterioration 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.