Researchers in Galway are seeking older people to take part in a study aimed at finding out more about the cognitive benefits of exercise.

According to US scientist, Dr Cay Anderson-Hanley, while most people are aware of the physical benefits of exercise, such as weight loss and increased energy, ‘recently, significant strides have been made in research examining the cognitive benefits of physical exercise'.

"Such research has taken on new urgency given the changing demographics of our society, with longevity increasing around the world, and dementias such as Alzheimer's on the rise," she explained.

This new study will focus on keeping the mind active while exercising. Volunteers will be asked to spend 20 minutes on a ‘cyber-cycle'. This is a combination of a traditional exercise bike and an interactive video game.

The volunteers can compete with other riders or enjoy the scenery along a virtual bike path. There are two paths - a woodland setting or a city scene centred around Paris.

Dr Anderson Hanley has previously carried out research into these ‘exergames'. In one study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, she found that older people who took part in exergaming produced better results than those taking part in traditional exercise.

"We focused on this kind of ‘exergaming', where mental and physical exercise are interwoven. Our results showed added cognitive benefit in some, while for others it prevented further decline. We are now looking to test this theory on a selection of older adults in Ireland," she explained.

Dr Anderson-Hanley is collaborating with NUI Galway psychology lecturer, Dr Michael Hogan. The cognitive status of participants will be assessed before and after the exercise session.

Up to 40 people are required and these will ideally be over the age of 65. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Julia Dimitrova at the Aerobic and Cognitive Exercise Study lab (ACES) in NUI Galway on 091-494069.

Alternatively email ACEStudyIreland@gmail.com