People who play video games at least 5 hours a week have brains that are 14 years younger, study reveals

A recent study carried out by Western University in Canada brought to light a surprising discovery: People who play video games for at least five hours a week have a brain that is 14 years youngerin terms of cognitive capacity, than the population average.

The research, called “Brain and Body” (or “Brain and Body”, in English), was presented during the Manchester Science Festival and involved 2,000 participants from different parts of the world. According to scientists, this discovery reinforces the importance of certain leisure activities that stimulate the brain in an intense and continuous way.

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Video games improve cognition in several areas

Participants answered a detailed questionnaire about their lifestyle habits and subsequently played mental games that assessed their attention span, memory, reasoning and verbal skills.

The results showed that those who frequently played video games performed better in all of these areas, indicating considerable brain youth. This superior performance was especially observed in tests that required sustained attention and response speed, suggesting that video games contribute to improving these specific aspects of cognition.

According to the study, the secret to keeping the brain young appears to be in the combination of strategies and mental challenges found in electronic games. According to Professor Owen, one of the authors of the research, strategic games are particularly effective in improving visual attention, processing speed and problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, constantly playing these games helps to establish a type of “cognitive reserve”, which can slow down the mental decline associated with aging. Owen adds that social interaction, when games are played online with friends, can also play an important role in keeping the brain active and engaged.

Association between electronic games and physical activity

However, not everything is rosy. Although the study points to the cognitive advantages of gaming, researchers found no relationship between video games and improved mental health. This means that, unlike physical activity, video games do not appear to help reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.

On the contrary, excessive screen time can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms, leading to feelings of fatigue and confusion. Researchers warn that excessive video game playing, especially at inappropriate times, can interfere with sleep and the ability to relax, negatively impacting emotional well-being.

The study suggests that the best way to obtain maximum benefits for the brain and body is to combine the habit of playing video games with regular physical activity. Physical activity is considered important to prevent symptoms of depression and anxiety, thus complementing the cognitive advantages obtained from electronic games.

The balance between mental and physical activities provides a synergistic effect that maximizes health benefits. Additionally, researchers highlight that aerobic exercise, such as walking or light jogging, helps increase blood flow to the brain, which can further improve cognitive abilities.

So, if you enjoy spending a few hours a week playing, science now gives you a good reason to keep going — as long as you don’t forget to exercise too!

Fonte: Science and Industry Museum