Imagine doing a short, quirky computer game in the late 1990s and finding out twenty years later that it might have helped protect your brain from dementia. That’s exactly what happened in a large U.S. study of older adults whose results are making headlines again: this specific form of mental training appears linked to a lower risk of dementia decades down the line.


In this article, we’ll walk through what this brain-training study actually showed, what “speed of processing” training is, how it differs from crossword puzzles or brain-game apps, and—most importantly—what realistic, evidence-informed steps you can take to support your brain health without chasing miracle cures.


Older adult using a tablet device for brain training exercises
Short, targeted brain-training sessions may offer long-term benefits when combined with broader healthy lifestyle habits.

Why Dementia Prevention Matters Now More Than Ever

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the biggest concerns about aging. While age and genetics are powerful risk factors we can’t fully control, research over the past decade has shown that lifestyle and brain health strategies can meaningfully influence risk—especially when started in midlife or earlier.


The challenge is separating hopeful, evidence-based strategies from overhyped promises and expensive “brain training” products that may not deliver. That’s where this long-running study of a specific mental exercise, often called “speed of processing training,” becomes particularly interesting.



What the Long-Term Brain Training Study Actually Found

The research highlighted by NPR comes from the ACTIVE trial (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly), a large U.S. study that began in the late 1990s. More than 2,800 older adults, generally in their 70s, were randomly assigned to one of four groups:


  • A speed of processing training program (the key focus of this article)
  • A memory training program
  • A reasoning/problem-solving training program
  • A control group with no specific brain training

Participants completed about 10 sessions of brain training, with some receiving additional “booster” sessions later. Researchers then followed them for up to 20 years, checking in on cognitive function and dementia diagnoses.


Participants who did the speed-of-processing training showed a lower risk of developing dementia over the following decades compared with those who did not receive that training, according to analyses of the ACTIVE trial.

It’s important to note:

  • The benefit was specific to the speed-of-processing training; memory and reasoning training did not show the same dementia-risk reduction.
  • The effect size was meaningful but not magical—this is risk reduction, not prevention.
  • Results are still being discussed and refined in the scientific community, and no single study can give all the answers.


What Is “Speed of Processing” Brain Training?

Speed of processing training is different from typical brain games like crosswords or Sudoku. The exercises used in the ACTIVE trial were designed to:


  1. Present visual information very quickly, often in a fraction of a second.
  2. Ask participants to identify, locate, or distinguish objects or symbols on the screen.
  3. Gradually speed up or add visual complexity as the person improves.

In practical terms, you might briefly see objects in the center and periphery of the screen—a car, a road sign, a symbol—then have to quickly click or tap to say what you saw and where it was. As you get better, the display time shrinks and distractions increase.


Older woman focusing on a laptop screen while doing cognitive exercises
Speed-of-processing tasks challenge how quickly and accurately the brain can take in, interpret, and respond to visual information.

Scientists think these tasks may help maintain or enhance:

  • Visual attention (especially to the periphery)
  • Processing speed (how fast you can make sense of what you see)
  • Real-world abilities like safely navigating traffic or reacting quickly to changes in your environment

How Much Training Made a Difference in the Study?

One striking aspect of the ACTIVE trial is how little training participants actually did compared with many commercial products today.


  • Initial training: About 10 sessions, often around 60–75 minutes each.
  • Booster sessions: Some participants received additional short “refreshers” about 1 and 3 years after starting.

Even with this modest dose, benefits for thinking skills and daily functioning were observed for years. The later analysis suggesting reduced dementia risk over 10–20 years came from comparing people who did the speed training to those who did other training or none.



Important Limitations and What This Study Doesn’t Prove

It’s tempting to read headlines and think, “I just need the right app and I won’t get dementia.” Unfortunately, that’s not how the science works. Here are key caveats:


  • No guaranteed protection: Even in the training group, some people developed dementia. The training lowered risk; it did not eliminate it.
  • Specific program, not all brain games: The benefit was associated with a particular, rigorously tested training method—not every puzzle, app, or website.
  • Population studied: Participants were mostly community-dwelling older adults without dementia at the start; results may not apply the same way to younger people or those with significant cognitive impairment.
  • Complexity of dementia: Dementia risk also depends on vascular health, sleep, mood, education, social connection, and genes. Training is only one piece of a much larger puzzle.

Brain training should be viewed as a potential tool in a broader brain-health toolkit—alongside physical activity, heart health, good sleep, and meaningful social and mental engagement.

How to Safely Explore Speed-Based Brain Training at Home

If you’re curious about trying speed-of-processing style training, you don’t necessarily need to track down the exact program used in the original study. Many modern digital tools incorporate similar principles, though not all of them are well-validated.


Here’s a practical, cautious way to approach it:


  1. Talk with your clinician first.

    Especially if you already have memory concerns, vision problems, or neurological conditions. They can help set realistic expectations and may recommend specific programs or clinical trials.

  2. Look for science-backed features.
    • Tasks that get harder as you improve
    • Brief but intense sessions (e.g., 20–30 minutes)
    • Focus on visual speed, attention, and accuracy
    • Clear performance feedback and tracking
  3. Beware of exaggerated claims.

    Be skeptical of any product that promises to “prevent Alzheimer’s,” “reverse aging,” or “boost IQ by 50 points.” Regulatory agencies have cautioned several companies against such statements when not well-supported by evidence.

  4. Start small and be consistent.

    Something like 2–3 sessions per week for 6–8 weeks is a reasonable experiment. Notice how it affects your attention, mood, and daily functioning—not just your score in the game.

  5. Protect your eyes and posture.

    Intense visual tasks can be tiring. Use good lighting, take breaks, and pay attention to neck and back comfort, especially if you’re older or have arthritis.


Senior couple using a tablet together for mental exercises
Doing structured brain exercises with a partner can make training more enjoyable and help you stay consistent.


Everyday Activities That Support Processing Speed and Brain Health

You don’t have to be glued to a screen to work on processing speed and attention. Many everyday activities naturally challenge these systems and also support other pillars of brain health.


Movement-based activities

  • Brisk walking in a new neighborhood, paying attention to traffic, signs, and surroundings.
  • Dancing styles that involve quick steps or partner coordination.
  • Non-contact sports or games that require rapid responses (e.g., table tennis, pickleball) adapted to your fitness level.

Visual and attention challenges

  • Timed visual puzzles or “spot the difference” tasks.
  • Learning to navigate a new app or device interface with guidance.
  • Driving refresher courses for older adults, with a strong safety emphasis.

Combined mental and social engagement

  • Group classes (language, art, music) that require you to follow instructions and respond quickly.
  • Volunteering roles that involve coordinating with others or handling real-time tasks.

Group of older adults in a dance or exercise class
Physical activity that requires quick reactions and attention may support many of the same brain systems as formal speed training—plus heart and mood benefits.


Common Barriers—and How Real People Work Around Them

Even when people are motivated to protect their memory, life gets in the way. In clinic and community settings, I’ve seen the same obstacles appear again and again.


“I’m not good with technology.”

Many older adults feel intimidated by apps or online programs.

  • Start with a program that has large buttons, clear fonts, and simple instructions.
  • Ask a family member, friend, or librarian to help you set it up and practice for the first few sessions.
  • Consider local senior centers that offer digital literacy classes.

“I forget to do it, even though I care about my memory.”

  • Pair brain training with an existing habit (after breakfast, before your afternoon tea).
  • Use a simple paper checklist or calendar to track sessions.
  • Do it with a partner and remind each other.

“It feels discouraging when the tasks get harder.”

That frustration is understandable—and it’s also a sign that your brain is being challenged.

  • Set process goals (“I’ll do 20 minutes, three times this week”), not performance goals.
  • Celebrate small wins, like improved reaction time or fewer mistakes.
  • Take breaks whenever you feel overwhelmed; progress, not perfection, matters.

Case example: One 78-year-old patient scheduled her brain training right after calling her granddaughter each Sunday. Linking the new habit to something joyful helped her stay consistent for months—without feeling like it was a chore.

Speed Training Is One Piece of a Bigger Dementia-Prevention Plan

The strongest evidence for dementia risk reduction doesn’t come from any single exercise, supplement, or gadget. It comes from combining several brain-healthy habits over many years.


Alongside mental exercises like speed-of-processing training, consider these science-backed pillars:


  • Move your body regularly: Aerobic activity, strength training, and balance exercises support blood flow to the brain and overall resilience.
  • Protect your heart and blood vessels: Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and don’t smoke—what’s good for the heart is often good for the brain.
  • Prioritize sleep: Aim for consistent, restorative sleep and seek help for snoring, insomnia, or sleep apnea.
  • Stay socially and mentally engaged: Learning new skills, maintaining friendships, and contributing to your community all support brain health.
  • Care for your mood and stress levels: Depression, chronic stress, and anxiety can all affect cognition and deserve real attention and treatment.

Combining physical activity, social connection, and mental challenge likely offers more protection than any single activity on its own.


Putting It All Together: A Realistic Next Step

The long-term results of the ACTIVE trial offer a hopeful, grounded message: a relatively small amount of the right kind of mental training in later life may help lower dementia risk for years to come. It’s not a guarantee, and it’s not a shortcut—but it is another lever you can thoughtfully pull in your favor.


If you’d like to act on this research:


  1. Have an honest conversation with your doctor about your memory, mood, sleep, and overall brain health.
  2. Choose one speed- or attention-based activity (digital or real-world) that feels safe and achievable.
  3. Commit to trying it consistently for 6–8 weeks, while also moving your body and protecting your heart health.
  4. Notice not only what changes on the screen, but how you feel in daily life—your focus, confidence, and sense of control.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly to make a meaningful difference. Small, sustainable steps—taken now and repeated over time—are still one of the most powerful tools we have to honor and protect our future selves.