01/09/2026
It's never too late for your brain to change! The beautiful concept of
“Neuroplasticity” still happens at every age.
In fact, recent research shows how this occurs in an older adult population, and how continuing to engage in complex cognitive activities can enhance brain function and structure, even in older adults.
This study by Chapman et al. in the journal 'cerebral cortex,' had one group of participants from the ages of 56-71 engage in mental training and another group do nothing. They then compared fMRI findings (basically showing where blood flow is going to in the brain) and results to different validated neurocognitive tasks.
The researchers found improved neural activity and connectivity as shown on fMRI scans as well as improvements in the neurocognitive tasks in the group who had undergone the training. What's amazing is that these increases in neural activity stuck around even when the participants were in a "resting state" (not currently undergoing the mental training), indicating a change in the connectivity of the brain in these older adults.
Evidence of neuroplasticity in even older patients (average age 77.4 years old) has also been shown in a study by Port FH et al., where connections were found to form even in the brains of people in their senior years.
Moral of the story? No matter your age, challenging and stimulating your brain can lead to meaningful improvements in brain function. It's never too late to embrace activities these activities that foster neuroplasticity. I’d actually argue it only becomes more important and protective as we all get older!
-Dr. Matt
PubMed ID's for the studies mentioned:
-PMID: 23985135
-PMID: 25857946
