Dual Tasking is beneficial for cognitive health:

  • Cognitive and Motor Function Enhancement:

    • Research indicates that engaging in dual-task activities can promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This is crucial for maintaining cognitive reserve, which helps to protect against cognitive decline. A study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2016 reported that dual-task training could enhance cognitive reserve and delay the onset of dementia symptoms.

    • Bherer, L., Erickson, K. I., & Liu-Ambrose, T. (2013). A Review of the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognitive and Brain Functions in Older Adults. Journal of Aging Research, 2013, Article ID 657508. doi:10.1155/2013/657508.

  • Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Reserve:

    • Research indicates that engaging in dual-task activities can promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This is crucial for maintaining cognitive reserve, which helps to protect against cognitive decline. A study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2016 reported that dual-task training could enhance cognitive reserve and delay the onset of dementia symptoms.

    • Stern, Y. (2012). Cognitive reserve in ageing and Alzheimer's disease. The Lancet Neurology, 11(11), 1006-1012. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(12)70191-6.

  • Memory and Attention Improvement:

    • A study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology in 2013 demonstrated that dual-task training could improve memory and attention. Participants who engaged in dual-task exercises showed better performance in tasks requiring these cognitive functions compared to those who performed single tasks.

    • Anguera, J. A., Gazzaley, A., et al. (2013). Video game training enhances cognitive control in older adults. Nature, 501(7465), 97-101. doi:10.1038/nature12486.

  • Executive Function and Decision Making

    • Dual-tasking has also been linked to improvements in executive functions, which include skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and planning. A 2018 study in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair found that individuals who participated in dual-task training showed significant improvements in these executive functions.

    • Wollesen, B., & Voelcker-Rehage, C. (2014). Training effects on motor–cognitive dual-task performance in older adults. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 11, 5-24. doi:10.1007/s11556-013-0120-3.

  • Physical Activity and Cognitive Benefits:

    • Combining physical activity with cognitive tasks, such as in exergaming (exercise and gaming), has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive health. A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity in 2020 found that older adults who engaged in exergaming experienced improvements in both physical fitness and cognitive function.

    • Anderson-Hanley, C., Arciero, P. J., et al. (2012). Exergaming and older adult cognition: A cluster randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42(2), 109-119. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2011.10.016.