Brain speed exercises could delay dementia, try these 5 quick-thinking workouts to keep memory sharp

The study claims that adults should keep their stimulating their neural processing speeds, gently but persistently, to reshape the trajectory of their brain's cognitive decline (Image: Pexels)

• Speed-focused cognitive training reduces dementia risk by ~25%
• Memory and reasoning exercises did not show the same dementia-delaying effect
• Regular, repeated brain exercises are key for long-term cognitive resilience

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Forgetting where you placed your things, struggling to find words, or becoming repeatedly disoriented, are small tremors of memory loss can be among the earliest signs of dementia.

Dementia is not a single disease but a broad term for a group of progressive neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. It occurs when brain cells become damaged and lose their ability to communicate effectively. In some types, such as Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal protein build-up interferes with brain function, gradually affecting memory, judgment, language and independence.

In a recent study, a long-term trial, older adults aged 65 and above were offered different kinds of mental training that included memory drills, exercises in reasoning, and speed of cognitive processing tasks. The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, revealed that after an initial five-to-six-week training period, some participants also received booster sessions a few years later.

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Those who took part in the speed-focused training with boosters were about 25 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the next two decades compared with those who never trained.

Speed-of-processing training isn’t about memorising lists. Instead, participants practiced rapidly recognising visual information on a screen and adapting to attention-challenging tasks. It’s thought to sharpen neural efficiency and strengthen networks that normally wear away with age.

However, neither memory training nor reasoning practice yielded the same dementia-delaying effect, suggesting that agility of thought might be especially vital in building resilience.

Booster sessions

The biggest lesson from the ACTIVE study wasn’t just about training once, but about returning to the brain exercise. Those speed trainees who later returned for follow-up sessions had the strongest protective association. Those who skipped boosters saw essentially no difference in dementia risk, underscoring that sparking the brain again and again may kindle a long-lasting strengthening of its circuits.

To many, spending a couple of hours a week on a computer puzzle might not seem transformational, but the finding that such simple cognitive engagement might delay or reduce clinical dementia is profound. With dementia rates rising globally, even modest delays in onset could lessen the social and human burden on families and healthcare systems everywhere.

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This study doesn’t claim a cure. But it does bring fresh hope to the idea that the ageing brain is not powerless. If older adults can gently but persistently stimulate their neural processing speed, they may help reshape the trajectory of cognitive decline, turning what once seemed an unavoidable fate into a story of resistance and resilience.

5 easy, quick thinking exercise to boost brain health

Practise spotting things quickly: Look at a picture for a few seconds, then answer simple questions about it. For example, how many people were wearing red? This trains your brain to notice details faster and improves quick thinking skills.

Focus on the centre and the sides: Stare at one object in front of you while trying to notice something happening at the side. This helps your brain handle central and side information at the same time, improving attention and processing speed.

Do short timed challenges: Set a one-minute timer and match symbols, numbers or shapes as fast as you can. Try to beat your score each time. Working under time pressure helps your brain think and react more quickly.

Combine two tasks together: Listen to the radio while sorting cards or folding laundry. Easy right? Doing two simple things at once trains your brain to divide attention, which keeps your thinking flexible and active as you age.

Repeat and build it up: Do these exercises regularly and increase the difficulty slowly. The study showed that people who returned for extra sessions had stronger long-term benefits. Keeping your brain active makes a huge difference.

FAQs on How to Keep Brain Healthy

1. What are early signs of dementia?

Early signs of dementia include forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, and disorientation. These memory issues can indicate the beginning of neurological conditions affecting the brain.

2. How does dementia affect the brain?

Dementia damages brain cells, impairs communication, and affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and daily activities. Abnormal protein build-up in the brain can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s.

3. Can mental training reduce the risk of dementia?

Yes, studies suggest that mental training, especially exercises focused on cognitive speed, can reduce the risk of dementia. Regular follow-up sessions reinforce these benefits.

4. What are effective brain exercises?

Effective brain exercises include quickly spotting details in pictures, focusing on central and side information, timed challenges, multitasking, and gradually increasing difficulty.

5. Why are booster sessions important?

Booster sessions reinforce brain training, offering stronger protection against dementia. Consistent cognitive engagement helps maintain neural efficiency and resilience against cognitive decline.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.