Learning new skills could make older people’s brains 30 years younger in six weeks, study claims

Learning new skills can make older people’s brains three decades younger in just six weeks, according to a new study. Taking up three new tasks at the same time boosts mental power and protects against Alzheimer’s disease, scientists have found. These skills may range from language lessons to using an iPad , photography, writing music or painting. Scroll down for video Taking up three new skills, such as language lessons or learning how to use an iPad, at the same time can make older people’s brains three decades younger in just six weeks (file photo) Taking up three new skills, such as language lessons or learning how to use an iPad, at the same time can make older people’s brains three decades younger in just six weeks (file photo) The course workload would be similar to an undergraduate’s and adds to growing evidence that dementia is avoidable through lifestyle changes. After less than two months, those in their 80s increased their cognitive abilities to levels similar to those seen in someone in their 50s. Control group members, who did not take any classes, showed no change in their performance. Dr Rachel Wu, an assistant professor of psychology at California University, said: ‘The participants in the intervention bridged a 30-year difference in cognitive abilities after just six weeks and maintained these abilities while learning multiple new skills. HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY BRAIN POWER AS I GET OLDER? The new study, by researchers at California University, has found that learning multiple new skills simultaneously can improve brain power. Dr Rachel Wu, an assistant professor of psychology at the university, has said older people can ward off memory loss and confusion by soaking up information like a sponge – as a child would. Skills trialled in the study include learning how […]

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