Aging and the brain

A new German study challenges the theory that cognitive problems increase with age.

Researchers used digital simulation models to compare how the older and younger brain work to retrieve a word. They found the fact that older people tend to know a larger number of words accounted for over 75% of the difference in scores on a cognitive test. They speculate that the older mind may not be slower, just fuller. Experts say these findings are not likely to reverse years of research showing both memory and processing skills decrease with age, but could question the severity of these declines.