Neural substrate of a cognitive intervention program using Go game: a positron emission tomography study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• The impact of cognitive intervention programs on brain activity remains underexplored.
• Understanding how specific cognitive activities influence neural function is crucial for developing effective interventions for older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in brain activity resulting from a cognitive intervention using the board game Go.
• To examine the relationship between altered brain activity and the improvement of Go-playing skills.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen older adults were randomized into an intervention group (Go lessons via tablets) or a control group (health lectures).
• Positron emission tomography (PET) with Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) was used to measure cerebral glucose metabolism.
• Cognitive assessments and Go tests were conducted before and after the 12-session intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant increases in glucose metabolism in the left middle temporal gyrus and bilateral putamen.
• The control group exhibited increased metabolism in the left superior frontal gyrus.
• Go test scores significantly improved in the intervention group, correlating with changes in glucose metabolism in the left middle temporal gyrus.

Conclusions:

• A cognitive intervention program centered around the game of Go may positively impact brain activity and cognitive function in older adults.
• The findings suggest Go may enhance neural plasticity, particularly in regions associated with cognitive processing.
• Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up is warranted to elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms.