Brain games and the brain: what one study showed, and what it did not

**Research review** ## The hook "Video games push dementia back" travels fast. The study it often cites measured something else: brain structure and simple test scores after six months. Here is what was actually done and what follows from it. ## In brief - In the 2017 West et al. study, 33 older adults (aged 55–75) were split into three groups: Super Mario 64, an active control (piano lessons), and a no-contact control [S-001]. - After 6 months, grey matter in the hippocampus grew only in the game group. It shrank in the no-contact control group [S-001]. - Changes on tests (MoCA and short-term memory) appeared only in the game group. The sample is small, and dementia was not measured [S-001]. - A 2018 meta-analysis of 21 randomized trials (1,125 participants) found small positive effects of video games on physical and social health in older adults [S-002]. - None of these studies shows that games prevent dementia. ## What was measured In the main study, participants played or learned piano, and researchers compared brain scans before and after. The hippocampus matters for memory, so growth of grey matter there is an interesting signal. But a signal about brain structure is not a signal about disease: the study did not measure dementia or its risk [S-001]. ## Why the dementia headline is a leap Between "grey matter grew over six months" and "dementia will recede" lies a long road these studies did not travel. Long trials with clinical outcomes are needed, and such data for games do not yet exist. The meta-analysis S-002 describes active ageing and well-being, not dementia prevention [S-002]. ## What the meta-analysis adds The 2018 review covered 21 randomized trials and 1,125 participants. Effects were small (d 0.26–0.41) and depended on game type, physical activity and age. The authors rated the quality of studies as acceptable, with external validity the weakest area, so the findings may not transfer to other people [S-002]. ## What is known, what is not, and the risks **Known:** in a small randomized study, playing a game was linked to more hippocampal grey matter and changed test scores over 6 months [S-001]. A meta-analysis finds small positive effects of video games on older adults' well-being [S-002]. **Not known:** whether games reduce the risk of dementia, or whether the effects last for years and in people with other health conditions. **Does not follow from these sources:** that games prevent dementia; that an individual will improve memory by playing; that games can replace assessment and treatment. **Risks:** if you are worried about memory, attention or other cognitive symptoms, see a doctor. Do not delay an assessment in favour of games. This material is not medical advice. ## What next If memory concerns you or someone close to you, talk to a doctor. Questions to raise: which causes of the symptoms should be checked, which tests are appropriate at your age, and what applies to your situation specifically. ## Question for readers Which brain studies would you like us to unpack next? Write in the comments, but take medical questions to a professional. ## What was checked—and what the claims mean | Claim | Status | Source | |---|---|---| | 33 participants aged 55–75, three groups (8 / 12 / 13), 6 months | checked against full text | S-001 | | Hippocampal grey matter grew only in the game group | checked against full text | S-001 | | MoCA and short-term memory changes only in the game group | checked against full text; small sample | S-001 | | Dementia and its prevention were not measured | checked against full text | S-001 | | Meta-analysis: 21 RCTs, 1,125 participants, effects d 0.26–0.41 | checked against abstract | S-002 | | Games do not prove dementia prevention | conclusion drawn from the sources above | S-001, S-002 | | A prediction for any individual | not claimed | — | The archived post claimed that games prevent dementia. This article does not use that claim, because the sources do not support it. No medical reviewer has been assigned and no medical review date is recorded. **Author:** Serge Luboff. This material is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.