Fast-paced brain training reverses age-related decline in acetylcholine levels.

Fast-paced brain training reverses age-related decline in acetylcholine levels, equivalent to a decade of rejuvenation.

Why it matters

  • Cognitive training can improve brain health in older adults.
  • Specific types of training (speed-based) are more effective than non-speeded games.

By the numbers

  • 92 participants trained for 10 weeks (35 hours total).
  • Significant increases in acetylcholine binding in critical brain areas.
  • Effect equivalent to reversing nearly a decade of age-related decline.

The big picture

  • Specific cognitive training improves neuromodulatory brain health.
  • Benefits seen in areas critical for attention, learning, memory, and executive function.

What they're saying

  • One comment questions if the study is an ad for the training app or solid research.

Caveats

  • Study specific to BrainHQ's speed-based exercises.
  • Sample size of 92 participants.

What’s next

  • Further research could explore long-term effects of such training.
  • More studies could compare different types of cognitive training.