Alzheimer's Society and BBC launch brain training trial with a 'Bang'

Published 7 September 2009

Alzheimer’s Society has teamed up with the BBC’s Lab UK to launch Brain Test Britain, a unique trial that will seek an answer to the question: Does brain training really work?

Launching on BBC One tonight (1930, Monday, 7 September 2009), Brain Test Britain will investigate the effects of brain training on mental fitness. Initial results will be announced in a 'Bang Goes the Theory' special, early next year. The experiment will continue for a further nine months looking closely at whether brain training can maintain or even improve the brain. Alzheimer's Society hopes results will be a step towards solving whether brain training can reduce the risk of dementia.

Celebrities and BBC presenters will be pitched against each other as they get 'brain fit'. Supporters include BBC One's Evan Davis and Alzheimer's Society ambassadors Richard McCourt of Dick and Dom, Tania Bryer and Russell Grant.

Richard McCourt of Dick and Dom, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador says,

'I always wondered if any of these brain training gadgets and games really work. I'm looking forward to being trained up and finding out a lot more about how our brains function. The more we know about the brain, the nearer we'll come to finding a cure for dementia - and that's the reason why I want to be involved.'

Professor Clive Ballard, Director of Research, Alzheimer's Society says,

'Every week thousands of people spend time exercising their brain using some form of computer-based brain training, but the jury's still out on whether exercising your brain can boost your brain power. As Brain Test Britain asks the question, everyone can help with the answer. With one million people set to develop dementia in the next 10 years, it's vital we understand the truth behind the old saying use it or lose it. Join us today and have fun while helping to solve one of the biggest mysteries of the brain. Does brain training really work?'

Brain Test Britain will be powered by Lab UK, a BBC website that enables the public to participate in groundbreaking scientific experiments online. Volunteers are being asked to train their brains for 10 minutes at a time, three times a week, for at least six weeks. A one-off 'Bang Goes The Theory' special will reveal the results of the Brain Test Britain experiment early next year.

Alzheimer's Society advises that leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce your risk of dementia. The best evidence is to eat a healthy diet, keep active, don't smoke, get blood pressure and cholesterol checked and keep a healthy weight.