A new study conducted by the Archives of Neurology suggests that playing games (the “brain stimulating” kind, mind you) might “improve your memory and delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease,” lending casual game lovers an impassioned defense:

…scientist are finding that many games requiring focus – including Angry Birds – give the brain a healthy workout. Scientists say playing games, reading and writing all slow the growth of amyloid, the brain protein scientists think might cause the memory loss disease.

The Alzhemier’s Association told ABC News that the study “contains some valuable new data regarding the possible relationship between modifiable lifestyle risk factors and the brain changes that are indicative of Alzheimer’s disease.”

The article goes on to recommend other popular casual games like Brain Challenge and Words with Friends, calling the latter a “great brain workout” that’s also “fun” (sorry, Drew). All of this calls into question earlier criticism of mobile devices limiting our cognitive abilities.  

-Yannick LeJacq

[via Mashable]