🧠 Brain Speed Training May Lower Dementia Risk

Older adults who practiced computer-based “speed of processing” brain exercises, and completed booster sessions, were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over 20 years.

Published In: Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
Date: January, 2026
Authors: Coe, et al.
Link to Study: https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70197

Summary

This study examined whether cognitive training could reduce the long-term risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Researchers followed 2,021 older adults from the ACTIVE clinical trial for 20 years using Medicare claims data to track dementia diagnoses. Participants who completed “speed of processing” brain training, and attended follow-up booster sessions, had a 25% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia compared to those who received no training.

Memory and reasoning training did not significantly reduce dementia risk.

Key Takeaways

✅ Participants who completed speed-based brain training plus booster sessions had a 25% lower dementia risk over 20 years.

✅ The benefit was only seen in those who completed additional booster sessions – not in those who skipped them.

✅ Memory and reasoning training improved thinking skills but did not significantly lower dementia diagnoses.

✅ This is the first study to show a cognitive training program linked to lower dementia diagnoses over a 20-year period using real-world medical records.

✅ The training focused on improving visual attention and processing speed using adaptive, computer-based tasks.

Why It Matters for You

Challenging our brain with structured, progressively harder speed and attention exercises, especially when practiced over time, may help delay dementia. Staying mentally active isn’t just about puzzles; how you train your brain may matter.

Citation

Coe, N. B., et al. (2026). Impact of cognitive training on claims-based diagnosed dementia over 20 years: Evidence from the ACTIVE study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 12, e70197. https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70197