Study: Brain health can improve into the 90s, challenging decline narrative
7 reported
A three-year study from researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth suggests that brain health and cognitive abilities can continue to improve throughout life, including into a person’s 90s. Published in Scientific Reports, the study tracked 3,966 adults aged 19 to 94 who completed brief training activities requiring five to 15 minutes per day. Researchers used the BrainHealth Index to measure changes in clarity, emotional balance, and connectedness to people and purpose. The study found that engagement was the strongest predictor of improvement, while age, gender, and education level did not determine outcomes. Participants who started with the lowest BrainHealth Index scores experienced the largest improvements. The study population was mostly white, female, and college educated, and researchers noted the need for greater demographic representation.
What’s reported
The study tracked 3,966 adults aged 19 to 94 over three years.
Participants completed brain-training activities for five to 15 minutes per day.
The BrainHealth Index measures clarity, emotional balance, and connectedness to people and purpose.
Positive changes were observed even among participants in their 80s.
Engagement was the strongest predictor of improvement; age, gender, and education level did not determine outcomes.
Participants with the lowest starting scores showed the largest improvements.
The study population was mostly white, female, and college educated.
Key figures
Lori Cook MS'02, PhD'09, CBH director of clinical research and corresponding author of the study
Sandra Bond Chapman PhD'86, senior author, CBH chief director and Dee Wyly Distinguished University Chair for BrainHealth
Dr. Jane Wigginton, medical science research director, co-director of the Clinical and Translational Research Center, chief medical officer of the Texas Biomedical Device Center
Dr. Jeffrey Spence, director of biostatistics
Aaron Tate MA'18, director of emerging technology
Erin Venza MS'13, PhD'25, head of clinical operations
Zhengsi Chang PhD'22, research scientist
Sources: ScienceDaily
