PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Can Computer Brain Games Prevent Dementia?

422737
/
www.pixabay.com

An estimated 5.7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In order to combat Alzheimer’s deteriorating effects on the minds of millions, the University of South Florida is conducting a new study which aims to determine if cognitive exercises done on computers can prevent, or delay, the effects of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease. The study, funded by a $2.7 million grant from the National Institute of Health, will train 1600 older adults to use various mind strengthening activities, like puzzles and brain games, to see if there is any impact on whether they later develop dementia or Alzheimer's

Join us as we discuss details of the new study, “Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease with Cognitive Training,” with Dr. Jerri Edwards, a professor at the USF college of medicine. Dr. Edwards works in the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, where she and her colleagues conduct studies at the USF Cognitive Aging Lab. Anyone interested in participating can contact the research team at 813-974-6703, or usfcognitiveagelab@gmail.com.