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The aging mind: neuroplasticity in response to cognitive training
Denise C Park1, Gérard N Bischof
1The Center for Vital Longevity, School of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, TX, USA. denise@utdallas.edu
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
|April 12, 2013
Summary
Cognitive training can enhance neural and cognitive function in aging brains, potentially delaying decline. While the brain shows plasticity, training effects are durable but limited in transfer to other cognitive areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is associated with neural deterioration, raising questions about cognitive function.
- The capacity of the aged brain to change in response to stimulation is a key area of research.
- Understanding neuroplasticity in aging is crucial for developing interventions against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the neuroplasticity of the aging brain in response to cognitive training and experience.
- To determine if cognitive interventions can enhance neural and cognitive function and delay age-related decline.
- To investigate the durability and transferability of cognitive training effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cognitive training and brain plasticity in aging.
- Analysis of evidence for changes in neural activity and volume in response to cognitive stimulation.
- Evaluation of the durability and transfer of training-induced cognitive improvements.
Main Results:
- The aging brain retains the capacity for neuroplasticity, including increased neural activity and scaffolding.
- Increased neural volume post-training indicates change, but altered activation may reflect strategy shifts.
- Cognitive training effects are durable over time, but transfer to other cognitive domains is limited.
- Engagement in cognitively demanding environments may support cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- The aging brain exhibits neuroplasticity, offering potential for cognitive enhancement.
- Cognitive training can lead to durable improvements, though broad transfer is not consistently observed.
- Sustained cognitive effort and engagement are beneficial for maintaining cognitive function in aging individuals.
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