Neural correlates of cognitive training in middle-aged adults

Abstract

Cognitive training offers a potential approach for the prevention of cognitive decline in later life. Repetition of targeted exercises may improve, or at least preserve, both specific domains and general cognitive abilities by strengthening neural connections and promoting neuroprotective processes within brain networks. Significantly, middleaged adults have been omitted from the cognitive training literature. Therefore, in a first experiment, we investigated short -term training (1 session) on a perceptual-cognitivemotor task in middle-aged adults. Furthermore, we examined the functional and structural neural correlates of this training. In a second experiment, we tested the effectiveness of longer-term cognitive training (4-6 weeks) in improving overall cognitive function in this age group. In addition, we examined structural and functional brain changes resulting from training.

Date of Award	May 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton
Supervisor	Natasha Sigala (Supervisor) & Mara Cercignani (Supervisor)