Playing Different Video Games Impact Memory Capabilities in Adults

Researchers from the University of York recently conducted a study to investigate the impact of playing different types of video games on memory capabilities in both younger and older adults. They found that older adults who played digital puzzle games had better concentration abilities compared to those who either did not play digital games or played a different type of game. On the other hand, younger adults who played strategy games exhibited superior working memory compared to those who did not report any gaming history.

Working memory, as defined the National Library of Medicine, refers to the small amount of information that can be held in mind and used in the execution of cognitive tasks. It is not uncommon for older adults to experience difficulties with memory, especially working memory. Therefore, researchers are constantly exploring methods to enhance memory capabilities, with video gaming being an area of interest.

The researchers analyzed data from 482 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 81, and divided them into younger and older adult groups. The participants reported their gaming habits, including frequency, types of games played, and time spent playing. The researchers found that older adults who played digital puzzle games had a higher working memory capacity and were better able to ignore distractions compared to other older adults.

Meanwhile, younger adults who played strategy games demonstrated better working memory compared to those who played action games. The researchers were initially surprised this finding, as previous research had associated playing action games with superior performance in attention, perception, and executive function. However, when breaking down the elements in the games, the researchers discovered that it was the strategy elements that stimulated better memory and attention in younger adults.

Ultimately, this study suggests that playing digital puzzle games can improve concentration abilities in older adults, while playing strategy games is beneficial for working memory in younger adults. It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the reasons behind these effects.

Sources:

– Heliyon journal
– National Library of Medicine
– Dr. Joe Cutting, lead study author from the University of York’s Department of Computer Science
– Dr. Fiona McNab, author from the University of York’s Department of Psychology
– Dr. Rehan Aziz, geriatric psychiatrist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center