Dallas study on brain health puts seniors' minds to work

Neuroscientist Denise C. Parks, from The University of Texas at Dallas, is working on a scientific experiment about the effects of learning new skills on the brain health of people over 60. The study, “Synapse: Actively Engaging the Aging Mind,” was developed to help prove the common conception that keeping your mind active maintains cognitive health. In other words, it addresses the question; does learning a new activity later in life contribute to brain health?

The study, when completed in 2011, will have tested over 400 volunteers who learned one of six new skills. These skills include subjects like quilting, digital photography, joining social events with groups, and even staying home to do brain-stimulating activities.

Each volunteer must be over the age of 60, and commit 15 hours per week to the skill set they are learning. They are paid between $300 and $400 to participate.

Many of the participants will undergo MRI tests before they start learning the new skill, when their time in the study is complete, and again the following year. With the MRI’s, the researchers hope to measure any changes in brain function due to the experiment.

Two recent participants discussed their time in the program. Both joined the study because they believe in contributing to research, and both finished the study thrilled with their new skill.

Bob, a 78-year-old Dallas resident learned to quilt. Not only did he succeed in this new skill, he also started a Web site to sell his product. And Florence, 85-years-old and a retired attorney and mediator, participated in a group that visited every museum in Dallas. They both reflected on the study, admitting to a better understanding of the importance of continual learning on brain health.

Parks, the study leader, discusses how science has managed to keep people physically healthy much longer than many people remain mentally alert. She said, "At age 80, we see a 45 percent rate of Alzheimer's and dementia. I think we have the potential here to improve cognition and to slow the decline."

Source: University of Dallas at Texas Summary of the article, “Dallas study on brain health puts seniors' minds to work,” published June 4, 2009, on www.dallasnews.com.