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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Aging Baby Boomers Spur Brain Fitness Industry

Software sales have more than doubled as Boomers look to avoid Alzheimer's

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(Newser) – Aging baby boomers, looking for answers on how to avoid—or at least forestall—dementia and Alzheimer’s, are driving the growth of a new industry that uses computer software to help maintain brain fitness, reports Reuters. Sales in the brain stimulation software industry have more than doubled since 2005 to $225 million in 2007.

Using software to stimulate short-term memory improvements is also being used to help kids battling ADHD and other ailments, but its growth is being pushed by the same generation that spurred the explosion of health clubs and the fitness industry. Some health insurers are even buying in, helping to deliver software to subscribers at a discount.

Libe Goad, of AOL, tries the Nintendo DS game Brain Age.
Libe Goad, of AOL, tries the Nintendo DS game Brain Age.   (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)
Brain Age 2
Brain Age 2   (AP Photo)
Visitors to the AARP Life@50 National Event & Expo in Boston try their hands at Brain Age 2
Visitors to the AARP Life@50 National Event & Expo in Boston try their hands at Brain Age 2   (AP Photo)
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire is seen playing Brain Age 2 on the Nintendo DS during a visit to Nintendo of America's headquarters.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire is seen playing Brain Age 2 on the Nintendo DS during a visit to Nintendo of America's headquarters.   (AP Photo/Nintendo of America, Corky Trewin)
Ethel Bockman, 94, right, and Stella Zielecki, 88, both of Manhattan, play Nintendo's Brain Age 2.
Ethel Bockman, 94, right, and Stella Zielecki, 88, both of Manhattan, play Nintendo's Brain Age 2.   (AP Photo/Nintendo, Diane Bondareff)
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