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In order to go beyond the effects of certain drugs in slowing down the evolution of neurodegenerative diseases, doctors have been interested in another field of action: cognitive stimulation effects on the evolution of these patients’ condition.
Some studies have shown that varied, regular and rich cognitive stimulation can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s by several years.
This is due to the principle of brain plasticity. What does this mean? Any central nervous system is capable of reconfiguring itself, of creating new connections between neurons (these are called synaptic connections), provided that cognitive functions are stimulated.
Trained cognitive abilities mean a more comfortable life: less memory loss, more reasoning and reflection.
Also, participating in cognitive training helps to reinforce the remaining abilities of Alzheimer’s patients. The work of Rotrou and Wenisch has made it possible to structure cognitive stimulation programs into weekly sessions during which patients must perform practical tasks.
And it works: the work of Olazaran, Muniz and Reisberg, published in 2004 in the journal Neurology, shows significant improvements in terms of mood constancy, reduction of irritability and depressive disorders that can occur in people with Alzheimer’s disease (diagnosed early enough).
For this purpose, the Neural Trainer solution offers targeted exercises to work not on strength or explosiveness, but on concentration and attention. Exercises are numerous but the objective is always the same: working on sustained attention and current memory.
Neural Trainer: a variety of very suitable exercises
As Dr. Bernard Croisile, a doctor in neuroscience at the Neurological Hospital in Lyon and a specialist in Alzheimer’s disease, writes: “the most important thing is variety and regularity”.
For these people suffering from this disease more than for others, the variability of the exercises and the playful aspect of the training sessions will play an extremely important role. First, by constantly motivating them. Secondly, by stimulating their brain’s ability to cope with novelty.
For Parkinson’s disease, which is characterized by cognitive impairment with a high impact on quality of life. By clearly recognizable motor disorders, non-drug approaches, such as cognitive training, can succeed.
The journal Neurology published an analysis in 2015 of the use of cognitive training in 272 Parkinson’s patients. The authors (led by K. Leung) concluded that these can alleviate mild to moderate cognitive deficits. Working memory, processing speed and executive functions are all stimulated.
Doctor Croisile has detailed the protocol in a very complete article.
Note: While Alzheimer patients are often indifferent to their condition, Parkinson patients are aware of their difficulties. It is therefore easier to offer them sessions dedicated to cognitive stimulation.
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