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Cited by 508Cognitive Functions and MemoryCognitive Abilities and TestingAging and Gerontology Research

The aging mind: neuroplasticity in response to cognitive training

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Park, Denise C., Bischof, Gérard N.·2013·Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
DOI 10.31887/dcns.2013.15.1/dparkPMC PMC3622463
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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.

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Authors
Park, D. C., & Bischof, G. N.
Affiliations
The University of Texas at Dallas (US)
Corresponding author
Park, Denise C.
ORCID
Venue
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2013-03-31
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pages
109-119
ISSN
  • 1294-8322 (ISSN-L)
  • 1958-5969
DOI
10.31887/dcns.2013.15.1/dpark
PMC
PMC3622463
OpenAlex
W4320300862
Cited by
508
References
12
Citations by year
2026: 53 · 2025: 75 · 2024: 61 · 2023: 47 · 2022: 50 · 2021: 34 · 2020: 37 · 2019: 32 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 25 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 10
FWCI
28.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed
Funders
National Institute on Aging (R01AG026589, R37AG006265)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
Keywords
neuroplasticity, cognitive training, brain aging, cognitive aging, age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease prevention, brain activation, strategic change, cognitive effort
MeSH terms
Aging, Brain, Cognition Disorders, Humans, Neurons, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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