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Cognitive Skills and the Aging Brain: What to Expect
Cerebrum : the Dana Forum on Brain Science
|July 14, 2016
Summary
Understanding the aging brain is crucial for quality of life. Despite age-related disorders, new neuron production continues into the seventies, potentially forming the basis for wisdom.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Psychology
Background:
- Increased longevity necessitates a deeper understanding of brain aging.
- Neurobiological disorders are common in aging, but research reveals ongoing brain plasticity.
- Public interest in the aging brain is high, as seen in popular science media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how mental health functions are affected by the normal aging process.
- To investigate the potential link between an aging brain and the development of wisdom.
- To highlight recent findings on neurogenesis in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on brain aging.
- Analysis of findings from advanced neuroimaging techniques.
- Synthesis of research on cognitive and emotional changes in later life.
Main Results:
- The aging brain exhibits continued neurogenesis, even into the seventies.
- Mental health functions undergo changes associated with normal aging.
- Evidence suggests that the aging brain may contribute to the development of wisdom.
Conclusions:
- A better understanding of brain aging is key to improving quality of life for longer lifespans.
- Ongoing neurogenesis challenges previous notions of a non-plastic aging brain.
- The aging process may foster cognitive and emotional attributes associated with wisdom.
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