Neurology
New studies offer hope for boosting brain function as we age. A randomized clinical trial in adults aged 56–71 explored the effects of cognitive training.
New studies offer hope for boosting brain function as we age. A randomized clinical trial in adults aged 56–71 explored the effects of cognitive training.
Cognitive brain function
New research offers hope for expanding our brain function as we age. In a randomized clinical trial involving adults aged 56–71, researchers found that after cognitive (mental) training, participants' brains became more energy efficient, meaning their brains no longer had to work as hard to perform a task.
The cognitive training ran for 12 weeks. Another group followed a physical exercise program in line with guidelines of 150 minutes per week for 12 weeks.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), an imaging technique that records brain activity, the researchers measured the speed of task completion via a computer scanner.
The MRI results provided evidence that cognitive training improves fast neural activity. While all groups showed faster reaction times between sessions, participants in the cognitive training group showed a significant increase in the association between reaction time and frontal lobe activity. After cognitive training, faster reaction times were associated with lower frontal lobe activity, consistent with the more energy-efficient neural activity typical of younger adults.
In contrast to the cognitive training group, participants in the physical training group showed a significant decrease in the association between reaction time and frontal lobe activation.
Neurobiology of Aging, 2018;
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