Old Rat Brains Are Made to Look Young
Again
Musical tests appear to help rats rejuvenate their brains.
Summary:New research using rats hints that cognitive decline may not be
an inevitable part of aging, and basic cognitive training may even reverse
the effects of aging on the brain.
The study, which involved training rats to discriminate among noises,
showed all of the rodents in the study improved, older rats included. This
test was chosen because older people often complain about decreased
hearing ability including a reduced ability to filter out extraneous sounds.
In the study scientists played a series of six tones, all identical except for
one. When a rat succeeded in picking out the odd note, it got a food
pellet. The odd notes at the beginning were a half-octave apart from the
other notes. By the end of the month-long training, the rats could
distinguish tones that were off just one-fiftieth of an octave.
The improvement seen in the older rats included the following: a 20%
increase in the number of neurons that suppress extraneous information
in the auditory area of the brains; an increase in the quality of brain
myelin, a fatty substance that improves swift communication between brain
cells; an improvement in "hundreds of molecular elements" which
suggests a little exercise can go a long way.
Although rat brains are not human brains, Etienne de Villers-Sidani, one of
the authors of the study, said researchers are optimistic the results will
translate. To date, studies of cognitive training programs involving older
people have had mixed results. Subjects have shown an improvement in
particular tasks on which they have been training but not necessarily an
improvement in other domains. Perhaps, word games and math puzzles
are too difficult for some of the participants and listening to music would be
a better choice. According to de Villers-Sidani, the challenge for scientists
now is to find activities that will keep human brains busy.
To read the entire article, click on YAHOO NEWS.
Comment: Every study I have read involving mental activities and brain
health has shown an active brain can prevent or at least delay the onset
of dementia. That fits the old adage: use it or lose it. Of course, it makes
sense that trying to do something that is too difficult or too boring for a
person isn't going to be of much help if he/she loses interest in the activity.
There are so many activities from which to choose: reading, puzzles,
discussions, cooking, computer work, hobbies, etc. And don't forget that
regular physical activity has also been linked to a healthier brain. So,
hardly anybody really has a good excuse for being a couch potato. Still,
we must remember that God also has something to say about our mental
and physical health.
I would not be doing my duty if I fail to mention the most valuable type of
mental activities--those that also have spiritual value. Bible study, singing
and meditating on hymns, and regular worship in a Bible-believing church
certainly should help one spiritually even if not mentally. One practice I
have used in the past is to try to paraphrase portions of the King James
version of the Bible into modern English. One needs a good Bible
commentary for this to succeed, but it does force the Bible student to
concentrate on every one of the words of God--good practice for the brain
and for the soul. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than
any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
(Hebrews 4:12)
Again
Musical tests appear to help rats rejuvenate their brains.
Summary:New research using rats hints that cognitive decline may not be
an inevitable part of aging, and basic cognitive training may even reverse
the effects of aging on the brain.
The study, which involved training rats to discriminate among noises,
showed all of the rodents in the study improved, older rats included. This
test was chosen because older people often complain about decreased
hearing ability including a reduced ability to filter out extraneous sounds.
In the study scientists played a series of six tones, all identical except for
one. When a rat succeeded in picking out the odd note, it got a food
pellet. The odd notes at the beginning were a half-octave apart from the
other notes. By the end of the month-long training, the rats could
distinguish tones that were off just one-fiftieth of an octave.
The improvement seen in the older rats included the following: a 20%
increase in the number of neurons that suppress extraneous information
in the auditory area of the brains; an increase in the quality of brain
myelin, a fatty substance that improves swift communication between brain
cells; an improvement in "hundreds of molecular elements" which
suggests a little exercise can go a long way.
Although rat brains are not human brains, Etienne de Villers-Sidani, one of
the authors of the study, said researchers are optimistic the results will
translate. To date, studies of cognitive training programs involving older
people have had mixed results. Subjects have shown an improvement in
particular tasks on which they have been training but not necessarily an
improvement in other domains. Perhaps, word games and math puzzles
are too difficult for some of the participants and listening to music would be
a better choice. According to de Villers-Sidani, the challenge for scientists
now is to find activities that will keep human brains busy.
To read the entire article, click on YAHOO NEWS.
Comment: Every study I have read involving mental activities and brain
health has shown an active brain can prevent or at least delay the onset
of dementia. That fits the old adage: use it or lose it. Of course, it makes
sense that trying to do something that is too difficult or too boring for a
person isn't going to be of much help if he/she loses interest in the activity.
There are so many activities from which to choose: reading, puzzles,
discussions, cooking, computer work, hobbies, etc. And don't forget that
regular physical activity has also been linked to a healthier brain. So,
hardly anybody really has a good excuse for being a couch potato. Still,
we must remember that God also has something to say about our mental
and physical health.
I would not be doing my duty if I fail to mention the most valuable type of
mental activities--those that also have spiritual value. Bible study, singing
and meditating on hymns, and regular worship in a Bible-believing church
certainly should help one spiritually even if not mentally. One practice I
have used in the past is to try to paraphrase portions of the King James
version of the Bible into modern English. One needs a good Bible
commentary for this to succeed, but it does force the Bible student to
concentrate on every one of the words of God--good practice for the brain
and for the soul. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than
any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
(Hebrews 4:12)
LSI Blog - Wednesday, July 28, 2010
