HEALTH COACH - Parkinson News: Playing Minecraft and Tetris could decrease effects | Health | Life & Style
Tetris Parkinsons "data-w =" 590 "data-h =" 350 "/> GETTY As Minecraft and Tetris could help diminish the effects of Parkinson's disease
They examine the effects of tactile "spatial reasoning games" on the part of the brain used for control Of movements in people with Parkinson's disease
Games like Tetris that require the use of mental images to rearrange shapes to fit a physical space, could Help to stimulate one of the altered areas of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease and improve motor function.
The study, which involves 16 patients with Parkinson's disease, is directed by Experts from the University of Bangor, working Alongside the board of directors of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health and the Walton Center in Liverpool. Related articles
Tetris is a Soviet puzzle game that was designed and programmed by Alexey Pajitnov. It was released in 1984, but the touch screen versions are now available on the shelves.
Dr. Charles Leek, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the School of Psychology at the University of Bangor, said that the initial study showed that Parkinson's patients could Move faster and start movement more easily after a period of "cognitive stimulation" on computer games. They have now received a £ 33,000 in funding for a second study involving 60 people with Parkinson's disease, Which aims to examine in more detail the potential benefits of computer-based intervention. [19459119] 
This could be very beneficial
Professor Leek said: "This project was born from a research that used brain imaging techniques to study how different parts of the brain are involved in controlling Our movements and other brain functions.
"We found that an area of the brain called an additional motor area, or SMA, became very activated when patients were asked to perform certain tasks on a computer. "SMA plays a key role in the brain Spatial reasoning and helps us control our movements, where the link with Parkinson's disease has come about.
"We are trying to apply some of the understanding we have of how the normal brain works to help improve motor control in people with the disease Of Parkinson's.
"By having patients perform simple computer tasks, we hope to be able to effectively stimulate certain parts of the brain affected by the disease.
"These types of tests are incredibly simple and involve people who make judgments about visual spatial relationships."
Patients were asked to perform 20 minutes of simple tasks, Computer screen and their movements are monitored before and after.
Professor Leek added: "Patients would watch a screen and would be asked to make decisions such as whether a shape could be turned to fit a space, Tetris analogy between. "
"If we could show that it has clinical benefits, then that is something that could be done at home on a tablet." This could be very beneficial. Parkinson's disease "title =" Parkinson's disease "data-w =" 590 "data-h =" 885 " ] Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system characterized by muscle rigidity, trembling, weak and slow balance
Claire Bale, Head of Research Communications and Engagement at Parkinson's UK, said yesterday: "Parkinson's disease is a condition that can affect all aspects of life, A person, which gradually eliminates the control of their co Rps and reduced independence.
"Two hundred years after the condition was first recognized, people with Parkinson's disease are still waiting for better treatments, including non-medical therapies, that will give them the greatest control "Many people with Parkinson's disease are already practicing Non-medical therapies, such as regular physiotherapy, speech exercises and relaxation techniques, to improve movement, relieve stiff muscles and become more flexible. 
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