Summary
A new study shows that cognitive training can increase levels of a brain chemical, acetylcholine, which usually decreases with age. Researchers found that people aged 65 and older who engaged in mental exercises saw an increase in this chemical in the brain area related to attention and memory.
Key Facts
- Cognitive training can boost levels of acetylcholine, a chemical tied to decision-making.
- Acetylcholine levels usually decrease with age by about 2.5% every decade.
- A 10-week study involved people aged 65 or older doing mental exercises daily.
- Participants engaged in 30 minutes of cognitive tasks like those on BrainHQ.
- Those who did the exercises saw a 2.3% increase in acetylcholine levels.
- Changes were observed using a special PET scan on the brain's decision-making area.
- The study involved 92 healthy participants and was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
- Online brain-training programs like BrainHQ target attention and processing speed.
