Cognitive Enrichment & Alzheimer's Risk
Engaging the brain early — and often — creates lasting structural benefits that resist age-related decline.
"Boost your brain's resilience with early cognitive enrichment. Studies show activities like learning and problem-solving early in life can delay Alzheimer's and keep your mind sharp for years to come."
JAMA Neurology · 2020
A study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that engaging in cognitive activities early in life — such as learning, reading, and problem-solving — can slow cognitive decline in old age. Participants with enriched early-life experiences performed better on cognitive tests later in life and exhibited fewer Alzheimer's-related brain changes, including reduced amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
Oveisgharan S, Wilson RS, Yu L, Schneider JA, Bennett DA. JAMA Neurol. 2020;77(10):1217–1224. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1941
Numeracy, Well-Being & Healthy Aging
Strong number skills translate directly into better daily decision-making and emotional health.
"Strong number skills help seniors make better life choices, leading to a healthier and happier life."
Behavioral Sciences · 2020
This study highlights the importance of numerical skills in the well-being of older adults, linking better number comprehension and mental calculation abilities to improved emotional happiness and a greater sense of purpose. Older adults with higher numeracy are better equipped to handle daily challenges, reduce stress, and maintain life satisfaction.
Melis et al. Behav. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 176. doi:10.3390/bs10110176
Mental Arithmetic & Brain Activation
Mental math activates and strengthens specific, measurable brain regions over time.
"Scientific studies suggest that mental arithmetic activates multiple regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, boosting overall brain activity and processing speed."
Prefrontal Cortex & Parietal Specialization
Mental arithmetic engages multiple regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex — critical for working memory, attention, and decision-making. Over time, the brain develops specialized pathways in the parietal cortex to optimize arithmetic processing, improving both brain function and processing speed.
(1) Çiftçi K et al. 16th European Signal Processing Conference. 2008. · (2) Rivera SM et al. Cerebral Cortex. 2005;15(11):1779–1790. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhi055
Additional Reading
- Fratiglioni L, Marseglia A, Dekhtyar S. Ageing without dementia: can stimulating psychosocial and lifestyle experiences make a difference? Lancet Neurol. 2020;19(6):533–543. PubMed
- Rydström A et al. Occupational complexity and cognition in the FINGER multidomain intervention trial. Alzheimers Dement. 2022;18(12):2438–2447. Full article
- Marseglia A et al. Social health and cognitive change in old age: role of brain reserve. Ann Neurol. 2023;93(4):844–855. Full article