NACD Science Corner Vol. 12 – Brain Function Begins to Decline Over the Age of 24
A study out of Simon Frazer University indicates that cognitive-motor function begins to decline at the age of 24.
In this study the researchers analyzed the data derived from 3,305 players, ranging in age from 16 to 44, of a complex computer game called Starcraft 2. According to Joe Thompson, the lead investigator of the study, “After around 24 years of age, players show slowing in a measure of cognitive speed that is known to be important for performance.”
The decline in cognitive performance in the 20s, as demonstrated in the Simon Frazer University study, is similar to the results of NACD’s Simply Smarter Project that evaluated the short-term and working memories of 7125 individuals, ranging in age from 4 to 84. Read more about the project results here. As demonstrated by NACD’s data, both short-term and working memory develop into our 20s and then begin to decline in our middle to late 20s.
Fortunately Bob Doman and NACD’s work over the past 45 years has demonstrated that the development of short-term and working memory can be accelerated, and with specific targeted developmental intervention, retained and even advanced past the point at which it would typically decline. Neuroplasticity has shown that you can continue to improve your brain function at any age.
Even if you use it, you lose it, unless you use very targeted intervention!
More Resources
NACD’s Simply Smarter Program – Work on your processing, cognition and working memory skills!
Get Started with NACD – How to get started with the NACD Program
