Brain Health Can Improve at Any Age, Says Study

It's generally believed that as you get older, some mental decline is inevitable — you start to think a bit more slowly, and your memory isn't as good as it used to be.

However, a recent study suggests that not only is this avoidable, but adults of any age can improve their brain performance, so long as they consistently put in the work.

The research was done by the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas, and shared on Scientific Reports. The researchers used data from around 4,000 participants aged 19 to 94 who signed up to the center's online BrainHealth Project.

The participants filled out brain health assessments every six months for three years. These assessments were based on the center's BrainHealth Index, which measures brain function by looking at thinking and reasoning skills; things like stress levels, mood and anxiety; and social engagement and sense of purpose.

Between the assessments, participants were able to access online brain training exercises, video coaching sessions and lifestyle habit trackers.

The research found that participants saw a steady improvement in brain health across the three-year study, and this was true across age groups.

The strongest predictor of improved brain health was how consistently the participants used the brain health tools. Those who spent five to 15 minutes a day doing cognitive training and who had brain-healthy habits achieved the highest brain health scores.

The study has its limits though. All of the participants had access to the brain training and lifestyle tools, so there was no control group to compare the results with. The research also excluded anyone who had an existing brain injury or neurodegenerative disease that could cause dementia.

However, Sandra Bond Chapman from the Center for BrainHealth said, "This study reminds us that our brain is not defined by age — it is defined by possibility."