Enhancing Neuroplasticity through Gaming

Neuroplasticity is the capacity of brain cells to change in response to one’s health, environment, lifestyle, and other factors (Shaffer, 2016). Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one such factor, causing a degeneration in the cells that produce dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical released by brain cells (neurons), in order to communicate with other nerve cells. It plays a role in motor function, hormone release, and decision-making. The most common PD drugs target the brain to stimulate dopamine production, while others can be used to repair a variety of impacted functions in the parts of the brain that control non-motor symptoms, mood, and cognition. All of these medications work because of the brain’s “plasticity,” or in other words, its malleability.

Neuroplasticity allows the brain to mend itself after injury or illness, and return to a healthy, balanced state. While Parkinson’s impairs the brain’s structure, chemistry, and function, the capacity for malleability allows the brain to adapt and slow the degeneration caused by the disease.

Alongside Parkinson’s and the medications that treat it, other factors — such as healthy diet, exercise, and stress management habits — are known to change the brain’s chemistry and structure to improve its function. As a result, these lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease. However, incorporating healthy habits can take time, and maximizing their benefit may require a degree of access to resources that may not be possible for everyone.

Some people with Parkinson’s may find it difficult to cook, shop for groceries, exercise vigorously, or manage their stress without professional help, making it difficult to adopt brain-healthy habits. However, one surprisingly effective means to improve brain function, with a minimal barrier to access, is gaming.

Games for the Brain and Body

Gaming is being introduced in Parkinson’s rehabilitation as an accessible means of exercising the brain and body. Studies have shown that video games, in particular, can increase dopamine levels, making them highly beneficial for PD treatment. Dopamine is linked to reward-motivated behaviour, serving as the chemical pleasure response in the brain. This means that every level beaten, enemy overcome, and problem solved in a video game can boost the brain’s dopamine supply.

Video games require users to think critically, problem solve, practice motor sequencing, and utilize memory to complete objectives. Games can mimic traditional exercise, which is known to release endorphins (hormones that inhibit pain signals and produce euphoric emotions), and stimulate the release of dopamine, adrenaline, and serotonin. These chemicals produce a wide range of effects, such as improving one’s mood, cognitive ability, and motor function. Further, similarly to exercise, games can stimulate an elevated mood by rewarding players with achievements, and offering opportunities to tackle new, exciting challenges.

Some games can also greatly enhance motor skills when played on consoles like the Nintendo Wii, Xbox Kinect, and virtual reality (VR) headsets. These consoles allow players to perform real-life physical tasks through gaming. For example, Wii Tennis requires participants to use the console’s wireless controller as a tennis racket, and encourages players to jump, swing their arms, and move around, mirroring the same actions one would perform in a tennis match on the court.

Gaming to Improve Daily Living

Reaction time, memory, cognitive functioning, motor control, and multitasking are all important aspects of performing daily activities that are also developed through video game training. Exercise-based games may be especially suited for people with PD, due to challenges the disease poses in controlling and sequencing movement (Herz et al., 2013). Training on these movement-tracking consoles can help to lower the risk of falls, and improve balance and rigidity, as the games often require large, rapid movements, and quick reactions. Other studies suggest that games which integrate exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as increase cognitive abilities and quality of life (McLaughlin et al., 2018).

Virtual reality games have been shown to improve obstacle negotiation, balance, and confidence in individuals living with PD. When using a VR headset, players are immersed in an interactive, 3D virtual world. In one study using this equipment, participants were said to have “enjoyed the experience and thought it was fun, not just exercise. They liked training and challenging themselves without the fear of falling” (Experimental Biology, 2019).

Another good option for people with Parkinson’s is augmented reality, in which the virtual landscape is mapped onto the player’s real surroundings. This type of gaming can allow for greater range of movement than a head-mounted VR display, which does not allow the player to see their surroundings outside of the game’s graphics. Many augmented reality games are available for download on smartphones and tablets.

Getting Started

If you are interested in gaming, and want to know what types of video games are right for you, try playing free games first on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can also visit your local electronics store to learn about console games. There, you can test out new games on display, and talk to staff about the different types of games and consoles available within your budget.

A home therapy routine with a game-based system can be an advantage due to its comfort and convenience. The adrenaline produced by accomplishing a task, gaining points, or upgrading to a higher level in a game can amplify the excitement, joy, and motivation in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Consider gaming if you’re looking for a new hobby to not only challenge yourself at beating a high score, but also the progression of PD.

Sources

Experimental Biology (2019). “Virtual reality offers benefits for Parkinson’s disease patients: Training in virtual environment helps patients improve balance and avoid obstacles while walking.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190409162815.htm 

Herz, N.B, et al. (2013). “Nintendo Wii Rehabilitation (‘Wii-Hab’) Provides Benefits in Parkinson’s Disease.” Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 19(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2013.07.014

Mclaughlin, P.M, et al. (2018). “The Feasibility and Potential Impact of Brain Training Games on Cognitive and Emotional Functioning in Middle-Aged Adults.” Games for Health, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2017.0032

Shaffer, Joyce (2016). “Neuroplasticity and Clinical Practice: Building Brain Power for Health.” Frontiers in Psychology, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01118 

This content was published in the Spring 2020 edition of our quarterly magazine, Viewpoints. The content was accurate as of this publication date.