The aging mind: neuroplasticity in response to cognitive training

Abstract

Is it possible to enhance neural and cognitive function with cognitive training techniques? Can we delay age-related decline in cognitive function with interventions and stave off Alzheimer's disease? Does an aged brain really have the capacity to change in response to stimulation? In the present paper, we consider the neuroplasticity of the aging brain, that is, the brain's ability to increase capacity in response to sustained experience. We argue that, although there is some neural deterioration that occurs with age, the brain has the capacity to increase neural activity and develop neural scaffolding to regulate cognitive function. We suggest that increase in neural volume in response to cognitive training or experience is a clear indicator of change, but that changes in activation in response to cognitive training may be evidence of strategy change rather than indicative of neural plasticity. We note that the effect of cognitive training is surprisingly durable over time, but that the evidence that training effects transfer to other cognitive domains is relatively limited. We review evidence which suggests that engagement in an environment that requires sustained cognitive effort may facilitate cognitive function.

Associations of Lifestyle Factors With Cognition in Community-Dwelling Adults Aged 50 and Older: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

“…Aging is accompanied by cognitive decline which is evident from as early as age 45 (Singh-Manoux et al, 2012). Age-related cognitive decline manifests itself as some diminishment of many core cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function (Park and Bischof, 2013). The different levels of cognitive decline range from mild cognitive impairment to dementia (Langa and Levine, 2014).…”

Aging Modulates Prefrontal Plasticity Induced by Executive Control Training

“…The baseline differences in IC performance and in functional IC organization between young and older populations should indeed result in qualitatively different effects of the training; prefrontal structural deteriorations may indeed not only modify older adults’ capacity for plastic reorganizations, but also result in the engagement of compensatory functional activity not present in young adults. Hence, different networks being initially engaged by the two groups in the tasks, they should show different patterns of modifications with training ( Park and Bischof 2013 for discussion).…”

Exercise Modality Is Differentially Associated with Neurocognition in Older Adults

“…Although aging is generally accompanied by the deterioration of multiple facets of cognition [ 1 ], extensive research has demonstrated that older adults who regularly engage in physical exercise or who possess a high level of fitness experience a reduced degree of cognitive decline or show improvements in cognitive function. The positive relationships between physical exercise, fitness, and cognitive function have been further demonstrated by a meta-analysis that showed a significant positive effect with the small to large in magnitude [ 2 – 4 ].…”

“…Executive function refers to high-level hierarchical cognitive processing that involves inhibitory control, task switching, and working memory [ 5 ] to achieve purposeful or goal-directed behavior, particularly in novel situations [ 6 ]. The disproportionate improvement in executive function that results from exercise training or fitness in older populations is interesting because executive function is particularly vulnerable to age-related cognitive decline [ 1 ]. However, a subsequent meta-analysis indicated that exercise training is moderately associated with cognitive improvements, regardless of whether executive function, attention, processing speed, or memory is considered [ 7 ].…”