Is the brain like the muscles in your body? Can it be trained with cognitive exercises to improve mental agility and sharpness as you get older?
Quite a bit of research has come out lately indicating that the answer to this question is a resounding ‘Yes’.
The most recent research I’ve come across is the ACTIVE study (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly), published in the December issue of JAMA (reference below). The amazing findings indicate a mere 10 training sessions (each lasting 60-75 minutes) over a five week period was enough to significantly improve cognitive ability and brain power. Importantly, the brain boosting effect lasted more than five years.
The benefits were actually quite impressive. Dr. Sherry Willis, one of the chief authors of the study, notes: "The improvements seen after training roughly counteract the degree in decline in cognitive performance that we would expect to see over a 7-14 year period among older people without dementia".
The study included 2,832 participants over the age of 65.
For those over 50 looking for computer software that serves as a brain gym, check out our review of Mindfit brain trainig program.
JAMA. 2006;296:2805-2814. Long-term Effects of Cognitive Training on Everyday Functional Outcomes in Older Adults.
[...] Over the last several years, quite a bit of research has come out showing that brain training exercises can in fact boost cognitive function (Click here to read about one of the most recent studies that appeared in JAMA, click here to read about a double-blind clinical trial that specifically showed MindFit improved short-term memory, spatial processing and attention/focus). For seniors looking to invest in a computerized brain gym, Mindfit represents a sophisticated piece of software that’s surprisingly easy to use. [...]