- Source: NeuroRacer
NeuroRacer is a video game designed by a team of researchers at the University of California, San Francisco led by Adam Gazzaley as a way to help with mental cognition. It was designed as an "Adam Gazzaley intervention" for "top-down modulation deficits in older adults." A study on 60- to 85-year-olds showed that the multitasking nature of the game caused improvements in tasks outside of the game involving working memory and sustained attention. The game is presented as a driving simulator. Gameplay involves driving a vehicle down windy roads and pushing buttons when a sign appears.
A 2013 review concluded that there is no good medical evidence to support claims that memory training helps people improve cognitive functioning. However, Neuroracer differs from conventional "memory training" apps, in that it focuses on multi-tasking in a virtual environment.
On June 25, 2020, the University of California published an online news article entitled: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first video game therapeutic as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, based on research by UC San Francisco’s Adam Gazzaley, M.D., Ph.D."
See also
Cogmed
Lumosity
Posit Science Corporation
Notes
References
Jon Hamilton. "Multitasking After 60: Video Game Boosts Focus, Mental Agility". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
"Neuroracer: A Video Game to Sharpen the Mind". Wall Street Journal. September 4, 2013. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
Alok Jha (September 4, 2013). "Brain-training video games may help reverse cognitive decline in old age". The Guardian. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
Matt Richtel (September 4, 2013). "A Multitasking Video Game Makes Old Brains Act Younger". Business Day: technology. New York Times. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
J. A. Anguera; J. Boccanfuso; J. L. Rintoul; F. Faraji; J. Janowich; E. Kong; Y. Larraburo; C. Rolle; E. Johnston; A. Gazzaley; O. Al-Hashimi (5 September 2013). "Video game training enhances cognitive control in older adults". Nature. 501 (7465): 97–101. Bibcode:2013Natur.501...97A. doi:10.1038/nature12486. PMC 3983066. PMID 24005416.
External links
"Gazzaley Lab". Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2013-09-06.