You keep doing you, Angry Birds addicts. According to a nearly six-year study released by the Archives of Neurology, playing mentally-stimulating games (like brain trainers and puzzle games) can improve memory and delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. The study doesn't mention any games in specific, but University of California-Berkeley researcher and study author Dr. Susan Landau told ABC News that game playing can range from Sudoku to Angry Birds and more.The study observed the presence of a certain protein, amyloid (often linked to Alzheimer's), in the brains of 65 people with an average age of 76, 10 Alzheimer's patients with aged 74 on average and 11 young controls with an average age of 24. "There was no emphasis on what games were played, but just at what age and how often people were participating in brain stimulating activities, including reading, writing, and games," Landau told ABC.
Ultimately, the study found that those who did more reading, writing and gaming over their lifetime show less amyloid in their brains, and thus perhaps a lower chance of developing Alzheimer's. If you ask folks like 100-year-old Kit Connell, games like this are vital to keeping sharp. And that, friends, is a fine excuse for flinging one last Angry Bird at the dinner table. You're welcome.
[Via Mashable]
[Image Credit: Zachary Huang]
How often do you play games like Brain Age and Angry Birds? Do you find yourself more mentally sharp as a result? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.