— Figure skater Alysa Liu after she became the second American Olympian whose medal broke. How heavy are they?
Care
Not All Brain Games Are Created Equal
What’s going on: That quick brain game you play with your morning coffee promises to keep you sharp. One type may actually help your brain age better. A new study, funded by the US National Institutes of Health, found one speed-training game lowered the risk of dementia by 25%, with benefits that lasted up to 20 years. Here’s how it worked: Researchers tracked nearly 3,000 adults ages 65 and older. Each played a reaction-based game, processing information quickly and noticing details in their peripheral vision, with the pace picking up after each correct answer. That escalating challenge appeared to make the difference. A neurologist who analyzed the data called the results “astonishing.”
What it means: If you’re worried this means hours of effort, it doesn’t. The benefit showed up with short, consistent training. That matters, especially since women face nearly twice the risk of Alzheimer’s and often bear more caregiving and household responsibilities as they age. But not all brain games count. Researchers didn’t find similar benefits from memory games, reasoning puzzles, or casual apps meant to entertain (sorry, Wordle). And dementia remains complex, with no single fix. Experts say this kind of speed training should complement — not replace — regular movement, heart and blood-pressure health, and strong social connection. Still, if you’re curious, a free version of the game is available online. We couldn’t help ourselves (and were humbled). And yes, we also already sent it to our parents.
