The answer is unclear, according to a recent article from The New York Times Magazine. The article notes that Americans spend an estimated $1.3 billion on these games annually, while “nearly all neuroscientists agree there’s very little evidence yet that these games counter the mental deficits that come with getting older.” However, some games may hold promise.
Among other things, the article discusses the work of Dr. Adam Gazzaley, a neurology professor who has studied the effects of games on mental abilities. His research lends support to the idea that games requiring the use of several abilities simultaneously may increase brain function generally (and not just train users to be better at the game).
But the article notes that Gazzaley is “reflexively cautious” about his findings. According to the article, the published research in this area “is a grab bag of contradictory findings.”
This issue is not without controversy. A group of scientists recently issued “a withering statement denouncing the hype by both companies and media” as to claims promoting these games. The article notes that “Gazzaley himself signed the letter, though he pushed the group to use less pessimistic rhetoric.”
For more, read the full article here.
