Healthy Brain Project Summary

The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project was a study that sought determine whether university-level education carried out over the course of a minimum of twelve months would benefit healthy older adults in significantly increasing cognitive reserve. In this research article, Lenehan and colleagues operationally defined cognitive reserve as a theoretical construct which describes the capacity the use of preexisting brain networks in an individual as well as alternating brain networks. (2015). Factors that impact cognitive reserve include not only life experiences but also innate intelligence. Previous research has shown that there is a decreased risk of dementia when education, occupational attainment, cognitive stimulation and intelligence or any combination of them are present. Cognitive reserve is comprised of all the factors previously listed. Therefore, it can be concluded that is a strong correlation between increased levels of cognitive reserve and decreased dementia. Education was emphasized as one of the main contributors to increased levels of cognitive reserve. Previous research had only …show more content…
We often times associate retirement with an excessive amount and spare time. I can only assume that contributing to society is a wish or desire we all wish to fulfill, regardless of our age. The results in this study made me realize that a successful part of aging may also include challenging oneself and learning something new each and every day, whether it be inside a classroom or though lived experiences. For many reasons individuals may not be able to attain the levels of education they would have wanted to. Life does happen, after all. With life come many things such as children, marriage, etc. It is never too old to continue learning. If learning makes an elder feel more complete and accomplished, then power to