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Discover how exergaming, video games that involve physical activity may protect brain health, improve memory, and lower Alzheimer’s risk.
News18
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most challenging neurodegenerative disorders in the world. While conventional pharmacologic therapies address symptoms, increasing research is focusing on non-pharmacologic approaches to prevention or slowing disease progression. Among these, exergaming, video games that require physical activity is emerging as a novel intervention to preserve brain health and reduce Alzheimer’s risk, particularly in individuals with early cognitive decline.
Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals, shares all you need to know:
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Study Findings on Exergaming
A recent randomized controlled trial examined exergame training in adults with mild neurocognitive disorder (often a precursor to dementia) and found that just 12 weeks of custom exergame-based training, combined with breathing exercises, significantly enhanced both grey and white matter integrity in the brain.
Participants showed improvement in immediate and delayed verbal recall, while MRI scans revealed increased volume in the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex—regions commonly compromised in Alzheimer’s disease.
The Window of Opportunity: Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), also known as mild neurocognitive disorder, is often considered a prodrome to Alzheimer’s disease, especially in individuals who present with Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Intervention at this stage offers a crucial “window of opportunity” before extensive neuronal loss or irreversible pathology occurs.
In this trial, participants exercised a minimum of five times per week, with each session lasting about 24 minutes. While the control group (receiving only usual care) experienced further cognitive decline, the exergaming group not only prevented decline but also improved cognitive function in many individuals.
How Exergaming Protects the Brain
How does motion through video gaming translate into neuroprotection? Several mechanisms are under investigation. Exercise is known to improve cerebral blood flow, enhance neuroplasticity, reduce neuroinflammation, and stimulate the birth of new neurons—all of which protect against Alzheimer’s pathology.
Exergaming goes a step further by combining cognitive demands with physical movement, which may be more effective at consolidating neural networks than physical or cognitive training alone.
Limitations of Current Research
Current studies have limitations: sample sizes remain small, intervention periods are relatively short, and most trials have focused on individuals with mild cognitive impairment rather than established Alzheimer’s disease. The applicability of these findings to other populations, including those with genetic risk factors (e.g., APOE alleles), remains to be explored. Still, the results so far are highly encouraging.
Practical Takeaways for Patients and Caregivers
For individuals and caregivers, the takeaway is clear: incorporating physical activity into daily life is essential. Whenever possible, choose activities that also challenge the mind such as games, dance, virtual reality, or exergaming.
When combined with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, social interaction, and management of cardiovascular risk factors, these lifestyle interventions can complement medical treatments to offer a more holistic approach to Alzheimer’s prevention.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 22, 2025, 07:36 IST
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