How Does Age Affect Neuroplasticity?
The brain is an amazing organ. It has the ability to change and adapt, a quality known as neuroplasticity. This ability allows the brain to adapt to new situations and learn new information. But does age affect neuroplasticity?
Some research suggests that the brain may be less flexible as we age. A study published in 2014 found that people aged 60-77 were less likely than people aged 18-29 to benefit from a type of brain training called dual n-back training. Dual n-back training is a cognitive exercise that involves paying attention to two different streams of information at the same time. The study found that, while both groups improved their performance on the task after training, the young adults showed greater benefits than the older adults.
Other research has supported the idea that neuroplasticity may decline with age. A 2011 study found that older adults were less likely than younger adults to adapt to changing sensory conditions. And a 2009 study found that the brains of older adults were less able than the brains of younger adults to reorganize after sustaining an injury.
So, does age affect neuroplasticity? While some research suggests that neuroplasticity may decline with age, it’s important to keep in mind that the brain is still capable of change at any age. And there are many things you can do to support your brain health as you age, including staying active, eating a healthy diet, andchallenging your mind with new activities and experiences.