NeuroRacer

NeuroRacer is a video game designed by a team of researchers at the University of California, San Francisco led by Adam Gazzaley as a way to help with mental cognition. It was designed as an "Adam Gazzaley intervention" for "top-down modulation deficits in older adults."^[1] A study on 60- to 85-year-olds showed that the multitasking nature of the game caused improvements in tasks outside of the game involving working memory and sustained attention.^[2] The game is presented as a driving simulator. Gameplay involves driving a vehicle down windy roads and pushing buttons when a sign appears.

NeuroRacer
Developer(s)	University of California, San Francisco
Director(s)	Adam Gazzaley
Release	2013
Genre(s)	Physical therapy
Mode(s)	Single-player

A 2013 review concluded that there is no good medical evidence to support claims that memory training helps people improve cognitive functioning.^[3] However, Neuroracer differs from conventional "memory training" apps, in that it focuses on multi-tasking in a virtual environment.

On June 25, 2020, the University of California published an online news article entitled: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first video game therapeutic as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, based on research by UC San Francisco’s Adam Gazzaley, M.D., Ph.D."^[4][5]

See also

• Cogmed
• Lumosity
• Posit Science Corporation

Notes

1. Adam Gazzaley (September 4, 2013). "NeuroRacer Study". University of California, San Francisco: Gazzaley Lab. Archived from the original on March 2, 2018. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
2. Anguera, J. A.; Boccanfuso, J.; Rintoul, J. L.; Al-Hashimi, O.; Faraji, F.; Janowich, J.; Kong, E.; Larraburo, Y.; Rolle, C.; Johnston, E.; Gazzaley, A. (2013). "Video game training enhances cognitive control in older adults". Nature. 501 (7465): 97–101. Bibcode:2013Natur.501...97A. doi:10.1038/nature12486. PMC 3983066. PMID 24005416.
3. Melby-Verlag, M. & Hulme, C. (February 2013). "Is Working Memory Training Effective? A Meta-Analytic Review". Developmental Psychology. 49 (2): 270–291. doi:10.1037/a0028228. PMID 22612437. S2CID 12370312.
4. Laura Kurtzman, UCSF (June 25, 2020). "FDA approves video game based on UCSF brain research as ADHD therapy for kids". University of California. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
5. "FDA Permits Marketing of First Game-Based Digital Therapeutic to Improve Attention Function in Children with ADHD". Food and Drug Administration. June 15, 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-26.

References

• Jon Hamilton. "Multitasking After 60: Video Game Boosts Focus, Mental Agility". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
• "Neuroracer: A Video Game to Sharpen the Mind". Wall Street Journal. September 4, 2013. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
• Alok Jha (September 4, 2013). "Brain-training video games may help reverse cognitive decline in old age". The Guardian. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
• Matt Richtel (September 4, 2013). "A Multitasking Video Game Makes Old Brains Act Younger". Business Day: technology. New York Times. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
• J. A. Anguera; J. Boccanfuso; J. L. Rintoul; F. Faraji; J. Janowich; E. Kong; Y. Larraburo; C. Rolle; E. Johnston; A. Gazzaley; O. Al-Hashimi (5 September 2013). "Video game training enhances cognitive control in older adults". Nature. 501 (7465): 97–101. Bibcode:2013Natur.501...97A. doi:10.1038/nature12486. PMC 3983066. PMID 24005416.

External links

• "Gazzaley Lab". Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2013-09-06.