Researchers from the UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth followed 3,966 adults aged 19 to 94 over a three-year period.
The study was published in Scientific Reports and reported by Medical Daily.
Participants were regularly assessed using the BrainHealth Index, which measures multiple aspects of brain function.
Among other things, the tool evaluates the ability to think logically, process information, regulate emotions, and maintain healthy sleep and overall well-being.
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Small daily exercises
Participants spent between five and 15 minutes a day on targeted mental exercises.
The training did not focus on simple memory tasks but on activities that required planning, problem-solving, and the ability to recognize connections.
The researchers found that regular training had a greater impact on outcomes than age, gender, or educational background.
Surprising result
The study also showed that individuals with the lowest initial scores achieved the greatest improvements.
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This finding could have implications for future interventions aimed at people experiencing early cognitive challenges.
In addition, participants improved their cognitive abilities across all age groups. This included individuals in their 80s and 90s.
The researchers found no upper age limit for when the brain can continue to develop through regular and targeted mental training.
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