Imagine if playing your favorite video game could be more than just an entertaining pastime! What if it could also be a secret weapon for boosting your brainpower? In this blog post, we’ll explore how Phosphatidylserine, a nootropic compound, and video gaming could be the cheat codes you need for enhanced cognitive health!
Also, scroll down to the end of the blog, where we share a few bonus “cognitive cheat codes”.
Table of Contents
Cognitive ‘Cheat Code’ #1: Phosphatidylserine
You may know Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic, but did you know our brain cells naturally contain it?1 The body also makes PS, however, production decreases with age.
Many studies have shown that PS plays several important roles in the brain. These include helping with brain cell communication and reducing brain inflammation; the latter demonstrates the neuroprotective action of PS.2
Also, low PS levels are associated with cognitive decline. Fortunately, clinical studies have confirmed that supplementing can help boost your brain’s PS levels as it does cross the blood-brain barrier.3
Glade’s literature review of 127 studies revealed that PS supplementation may slow, halt, or even reverse certain age-related changes in the brain (3).
Phosphatidylserine supports various cognitive functions, including:
- short-term memory formation
- long-term memory consolidation
- new memory creation
- memory retrieval
- focus and concentration
- reasoning and problem solving
- language skills and communication
But Phosphatidylserine’s health benefits aren’t limited to brain health. It may also support motor functions, such as improving rapid reactions and reflexes.4
Moreover, PS also helps normalize cortisol (aka the stress hormone), making stress and anxiety levels go down, too.
Taking PS may not be as fun as playing video games, so if that’s more your speed and you want visual and mental stimulation, then check out the next section!
Cognitive ‘Cheat Code’ #2: Video Games
Did you know the brain gets better at doing various things the more you practice it? Well, one of the best ways to practice and improve is through video games!
Physical games are fun, but they can be potentially dangerous for older adults. Poor balance, weak muscles, and vision issues can increase the risk of falling, leading to fractures and injury.5
So, how do video games affect the brain, exactly?
Well, let’s take a look at Yang et al.’s literature review, where they analyzed 47 studies with over 3,200 older subjects in total. They found that playing video games significantly improves the brain’s processing speed and overall cognitive function.6
A smaller literature review, this time on 17 studies and 1280 older adults in total, reported that playing video games helped reduce depression rates. But it was the games that had a physical component to them (e.g. Wii balance games, electronic step pads, exergames) that really had a significant impact on the subjects’ mental health.7
With that said, it’s important to note the cognitive functions enhanced by video games were limited to the type of tasks required in the game.8
For example, older adults who played immersive 3D video games for 30-45 minutes daily for 4 weeks enjoyed a memory boost, even though they were already experiencing age-related memory decline. Interestingly, these memory improvements lasted for up to 4 weeks after they stopped playing the games.9
What types of video games help make you smarter?
The studies we’ve quoted above reported that games with interactive and visually engaging content are best for cognitive enhancement. Here are a few examples of video games perfect for seniors and older adults:
Brain training games – these games are designed to challenge memory, attention, and problem-solving skills
Strategy games – these games may help enhance planning, critical thinking, decision making, and cognitive flexibility
Puzzle games – digital puzzle games can stimulate problem-solving abilities and spatial reasoning
Adventure games – these games require exploration and decision making that engage memory and cognitive skills
Virtual reality (VR) games – these types of games provide a multisensory experience and can potentially improve spatial cognition and memory
Are non-digital games equally beneficial for cognitive health?
Not a fan of video games? No problem. Analog or non-digital games like chess or cards may also help keep your brain sharp as you get older.
A study that assessed individuals born in 1936 at age 11 and 70 (talk about long-term study!) found that those who played these games more often had better memory and thinking skills at age 70. This cognitive advantage continued until their next assessment at 79 years of age, particularly in memory ability.10
Bonus cognitive ‘cheat codes’
Phosphatidylserine and video games aren’t the only cognitive enhancers in town. Check out these supplements with science-backed benefits on cognitive health:
Omega-3: Our Ultra Pure Omega-3, rich in DHA, is crucial for brain health.
MagEnhance: Contains Magnesium L-Threonate, the only form of magnesium known to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract: Known for its nootropic benefits, our extract is derived from the fruiting bodies of Lion’s Mane. It contains bioactive compounds, such as Hericenones, which promote neuron growth and repair.11
Seneca Nootropic Complex: Our unique nootropic blend includes Phosphatidylserine and Lion’s Mane, designed for cognitive enhancement without stimulants.
Related article: 9 Best Nootropics and Memory Supplements
Conclusion
In the world of cognitive health, the combination of Phosphatidylserine and responsible video gaming could be a game-changer. By embracing both, you can potentially boost your brainpower and maintain mental sharpness as you age. So, play smart, supplement wisely, and embark on your journey to a sharper, healthier mind. Game on!
References:
- Alagumuthu, Manikandan, et al. “Phospholipid—the Dynamic Structure between Living and Non-Living World; a Much Obligatory Supramolecule for Present and Future.” AIMS Molecular Science, vol. 6, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1–19, https://doi.org/10.3934/molsci.2019.1.1. ↩︎
- Ma, Xiaohua, et al. “Phosphatidylserine, Inflammation, and Central Nervous System Diseases.” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, vol. 14, 3 Aug. 2022, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.975176. ↩︎
- Glade, Michael J., and Kyl Smith. “Phosphatidylserine and the Human Brain.” Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), vol. 31, no. 6, 1 June 2015, pp. 781–786, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25933483 ↩︎
- Kingsley, Michael I., et al. “Effects of Phosphatidylserine on Exercise Capacity during Cycling in Active Males.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol. 38, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2006, pp. 64–71, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16394955/ ↩︎
- “Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention.” National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention. ↩︎
- Yang, Chao, et al. “The Effect of Video Game–Based Interventions on Performance and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.” JMIR Serious Games, vol. 9, no. 4, 30 Dec. 2021, p. e27058, https://doi.org/10.2196/27058. ↩︎
- Kim, Yesol, et al. “Effects of Serious Games on Depression in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 24, no. 9, 6 Sept. 2022, p. e37753, https://doi.org/10.2196/37753. ↩︎
- Choi, Eunhye, et al. “Commercial Video Games and Cognitive Functions: Video Game Genres and Modulating Factors of Cognitive Enhancement.” Behavioral and Brain Functions, vol. 16, no. 2, 3 Feb. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12993-020-0165-z. ↩︎
- Clemenson, Gregory D., et al. “Enriching Hippocampal Memory Function in Older Adults through Video Games.” Behavioural Brain Research, May 2020, p. 112667, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112667. ↩︎
- Altschul, Drew M., and Ian J. Deary. “Playing Analog Games Is Associated with Reduced Declines in Cognitive Function: A 68-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study.” The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, vol. 75, no. 3, 14 Feb. 2020, pp. 474–482, academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/75/3/474/5628188 ↩︎
- Spelman, Kevin, et al. “Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus).” Journal of Restorative Medicine, vol. 6, no. 1, 1 Dec. 2017, pp. 19–26, https://doi.org/10.14200/jrm.2017.6.0108. ↩︎
