Keeping the brain active from an early age may help protect memory and brain connections later in life, even in the presence of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Barcelona.
The research, led by scientists from the university’s Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro) and published in iScience, used animal models to explore whether long-term cognitive stimulation could make the brain more resilient to Alzheimer’s-related damage.
The findings suggest that early and sustained mental training helps preserve memory and brain connectivity, even in later stages of the disease.
Interestingly, the study also found that males responded more strongly than females to cognitive training.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. It gradually damages memory and thinking skills and currently has no cure.
Because effective treatments remain limited, scientists are increasingly focusing on ways to delay the disease or slow its progression. One key concept is “cognitive reserve,” which refers to the brain’s ability to continue functioning despite underlying damage.
In this study, researchers began cognitive training in animals before the typical signs of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes appeared. The animals continued to receive mental challenges throughout their lives. The team then examined brain function over time using advanced brain imaging, memory tests, and detailed molecular analyses.
The results showed that animals that received cognitive training maintained stronger connections between important memory-related brain regions, particularly the entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus. These areas are among the first to be affected in Alzheimer’s disease. Animals with better-preserved brain connectivity also performed better on memory tasks in old age.
The researchers found clear differences between males and females. Female animals showed higher natural levels of proteins linked to synaptic function and brain plasticity, suggesting they may have stronger built-in resilience at the molecular level.
However, male animals showed more noticeable improvements from cognitive training. They demonstrated sustained brain connectivity, better memory performance, and restored markers of synaptic plasticity after training.
Beyond memory performance, the study also examined biological changes in the brain. Trained animals showed signs of healthier synaptic plasticity, meaning their brain cells were better able to adapt and communicate. There was also evidence of reduced neuroinflammation during middle age, including a more balanced microglial response around amyloid plaques. Microglia are immune cells in the brain, and excessive activation is linked to disease progression.
The findings suggest that mental stimulation may help delay harmful changes in brain networks and inflammatory responses. While this research was conducted in animal models, it supports growing evidence from human studies that lifelong learning and cognitive engagement may help protect against dementia.
Overall, the study strengthens the idea that keeping the brain active early and consistently could be a powerful, non-drug strategy to support long-term brain health.
