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The Temporal Dynamics of Brain Plasticity in Aging
Ann-Marie Glasø de Lange1, Anne Cecilie Sjøli Bråthen1, Darius A Rohani1
1Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|March 1, 2018
Summary
Cognitive training may mitigate age-related white matter (WM) decline in older adults. However, continuous training is likely necessary for enduring neural benefits, unlike memory improvements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Age-related cognitive decline is a growing concern.
- Cognitive training is a potential intervention, but its long-term effects on brain structure are unclear.
- Previous studies lack examination of training effects over extended periods with multiple intervention phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal dynamics of brain plasticity during and after cognitive training in older adults.
- To determine if cognitive training mitigates age-related white matter (WM) microstructural decline.
- To assess the enduring nature of training-induced plasticity and memory improvements.
Main Methods:
- A 40-week study involving 107 older adults.
- Inclusion of two memory training periods separated by non-intervention phases.
- Longitudinal assessment of white matter (WM) microstructure and memory performance.
Main Results:
- A general decline in WM microstructure was observed over the study duration.
- Cognitive training periods moderated the WM microstructural decline.
- Training-related WM improvements appeared to subside over time without continuous intervention.
- Memory improvements were largely maintained post-training, suggesting different persistence mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive training can mitigate age-related brain deterioration, specifically WM decline.
- Continuous cognitive training may be required for sustained attenuation of neural decline.
- Memory benefits may persist without continuous training, unlike structural brain changes.
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