Neuroscientists are researching the potential benefits of brain stimulating computer games in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
They are studying the effects of touch screen spatial reasoning games on the part of the brain used to control movements in Parkinson’s patients. Early research suggests that computer games that require users to perform tasks like using mental imagery to rearrange shapes to fit a physical space could help stimulate one of the impaired areas of the brain affected by Parkinson’s and improve motor function.
Involving patients to perform simple computer-based tasks could effectively stimulate specific parts of the brain affected by the disease which could lead to improved motor function. These kinds of tests are simple and involve people making judgement about visual spatial relationships. It involves the brain doing quick calculations of the dimensions of the object from a different orientation and how it will fit into the space provided.
“It’s a form of cognitive stimulation. We’re effectively trying to get people to perform tasks that will stimulate a particular part of the brain and as a result we hope to get that part of the brain working more efficiently.”
Many people with Parkinson’s already practice non-drug therapies, such as regular physiotherapy, speech exercises and relaxation techniques, to improve movement, ease stiff muscles and become more flexible. These therapies can relieve symptoms that aren’t improved with the use of medication and can be beneficial for physical and emotional wellbeing.
So far, there is no conclusive evidence that brain stimulating computer programs can be used as an effective non-drug therapy for people with Parkinson’s. But we are keen to see what potential there is by using emerging technologies, such as brain training, to improve symptoms of the condition. We will be very interested in the results of this research.”
Parkinson’s is a degenerative condition and gets worse over time. Our hope is that this could be something that can complement drug-based intervention and improve treatment outcomes, and quality of life, for people with Parkinson’s.