Playing Analog Games Is Associated With Reduced Declines in Cognitive Function: A 68-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Longitudinal studies on the cognitive benefits of analog game playing are limited.
• Previous research suggests a potential association between cognitive function and game engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between playing analog games and cognitive function changes.
• To examine cognitive changes from age 11 to 70 and from age 70 to 79 in relation to game playing.

Main Methods:

• 1,091 Scottish individuals born in 1936 were assessed.
• Cognitive function was measured at ages 11, 70, 73, 76, and 79.
• Game playing behaviors were recorded at ages 70 and 76, with statistical controls for confounding variables.

Main Results:

• Higher game playing frequency correlated with better cognitive function at age 70.
• Increased game engagement was linked to reduced general cognitive decline from age 70 to 79, especially in memory.
• Playing more games between ages 70-76 was associated with slower decline in cognitive speed.

Conclusions:

• Playing analog games is associated with preserved cognitive function across the lifespan.
• Findings suggest a link between sustained game engagement and reduced cognitive decline over decades.