Research Presented at AAIC 2025 Shows Immersive Movement Programs May Support Brain Health Markers and Processing Speed in Older Adults
Findings presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025, the world’s leading brain health research gathering.
Study Context
This research examined the feasibility of NeuroAnimation, an immersive movement-based wellness program, for adults with a history of traumatic brain injury, exploring short-term effects on brain health markers, cognitive function, mood, and physical engagement. The program used an immersive 3D movement experience requiring complex physical and cognitive coordination.
The Evidence
Results showed significant improvements in processing speed among participants. Gains were observed in executive function areas including planning, decision-making, and mental adaptability. Participants with a history of traumatic brain injury showed improvements in hippocampal volume markers (subicular and CA3 regions of the left hippocampus) compared to active controls, a notable brain health finding.
Key Finding
AAIC 2025
Findings on processing speed, executive function, and hippocampal volume improvements presented at the world’s leading brain health research conference
What The Research Shows
- For the first time ever, an intervention, NeuroAnimation, showed Hippocampal volume improvements.
- The changes were associated with significant improvements in cognitive processing speed in the participant group
- Gains in executive function areas including planning, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility
- Program described as well-enjoyed and well-tolerated across the older adult participant group
What This May Mean For You
NeuroAnimation improved brain health markers that are extremely difficult to influence and showed meaningful change in this study. For older adults and those with a history of traumatic brain injury who are interested in supporting long-term cognitive wellness, these findings offer an encouraging evidence base for immersive movement-based programs.
