Canny Minds Blog

BBC Brain Training Experiment

Posted on 10. Sep, 2009 by Jenny in Articles, Brain Training, General

The public will be invited to take part in a mass brain training study later as part of a project between the BBC and medical research bodies.

A host of celebrities have kicked off the experiment on the BBC science series Bang Goes the Theory.

People are being asked to take part in regular memory and reasoning tests to see if they can boost brain function.

Dementia experts believe such computer tests could help ward off and slow the development of the disease.

But, to date, evidence has been mixed on the effectiveness of so-called brain training.

Dementia is caused by the mass loss of cells in the brain, and some believe one way to guard against it is to build up as many connections between cells as possible by being mentally active throughout life.

The theory has prompted several firms to market brain training programmes, but a recent investigation by consumer group Which? found only “weak” evidence they worked.

However, King’s College London research has shown that keeping the mind active though things such as work or computer use, especially later in life, could help.

The BBC now wants to put brain training to the test by asking the British public to take part in the nine-month study, Brain Test Britain.

Participants will carry out 10-minute online brain training exercises three times a week for at least six weeks. Before and after the study they will be tested to see if they have improved brain function.

The trial will be launched on the BBC One show by radio presenter Evan Davis and celebrities including Richard McCourt, of Dick and Dom, and TV astrologer Russell Grant.

See www.bbc.co.uk for more details.

Photo courtesy of snowblink

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