Brain Games Improve Cognitive Skills, Cut Surgeons' Errors 37%
Updated
Updated · health.yahoo.com · Jul 9
Brain Games Improve Cognitive Skills, Cut Surgeons' Errors 37%
3 articles · Updated · health.yahoo.com · Jul 9
Summary
Dr. Gary Small said targeted brain games can help keep aging minds sharp, with benefits depending on choosing challenges that are difficult enough to train the brain without causing frustration.
Research he cited found some games improve multitasking, short-term memory and reasoning, including exercises that train players to manage distractions while staying focused on a primary task.
Surgeons who played video games at least 3 hours a week made 37% fewer errors, worked 27% faster and scored 42% higher on surgical-skills tests than nonplayers, according to an Archives of Surgery study.
Small said brain games work best as one part of a broader brain-health routine that also includes social interaction, exercise, healthy diet and quality sleep.