Am I Still Mentally Sharp? Journalist undergoes Comprehensive Brain Assessment
As we age, our cognitive abilities, such as memory, word finding, and concentration, tend to decline starting around the age of 35. Neuroscientists are exploring ways to reverse this process and maintain mental fitness as we grow older.
The Psychological Institute of the University of Mainz, located across from the main train station, houses the office of Anna-Lena Schubert, a 36-year-old psychology professor. She is currently involved in a large research project to understand why some people are more intelligent than others, despite having the same brain structure: 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion synapses. The brain is the most complex organ nature has developed, and researchers are only beginning to unravel its mysteries.
Anna-Lena Schubert is one of the young researchers at the forefront of understanding the brain’s secrets. Now, she will be assessing my brain. How mentally fit am I? And if there are weaknesses, how can they be addressed to enhance cognitive function? The tests conducted with participants in her research project span three days. (By the way, she is still looking for participants: netzwerkstudie.uni-mainz.de)
The classic intelligence test – but more intense
On the first day, a classic intelligence test is administered, but it is longer and more challenging. The second day involves measuring the electrical impulses in the brain using an EEG. Finally, on the third day, the entire brain is scanned using an MRI.
I will only be participating in a portion of the assessment and will not receive an intelligence quotient (IQ) at the end. This measure wouldn’t be very informative anyway, as the test is calibrated for 19-year-old high school students, and I am a generation older.
„You have probably taken numerous IQ tests. How did they turn out?“ I ask Anna-Lena Schubert. She laughs and replies, „I have scored anywhere between IQ 100 and IQ 150.“ IQ 100 is average, while 150 is considered highly gifted. „This variability is due to the fact that IQ is calculated relative to the other participants in the specific test,“ explains Schubert.
The first test takes place in the behavior lab 06-408. I am seated at PC 3, although the computer screen remains blank. The tasks are printed on 40 pages of A4 paper. There is a glass of water, a chocolate bar, a banana, and strict instructions to follow: no flipping pages without direction, adhere to time limits, and no cheating. The other participants are seated behind partitions, reminiscent of exam conditions in school that do not evoke pleasant memories.
The challenges begin, similar to those described on page 61 (see right) – but even more demanding. Symbols, numerical sequences, logical reasoning, algorithms, concentration, all under time pressure. I feel the stress, which is intentional. My brain is being pushed to its limits, and it responds remarkably well.
The brain thrives on challenges
Challenging the brain is not harmful; in fact, the brain thrives on being pushed. When idle, it begins to prune cells that consume energy without purpose. The brain operates efficiently, building and strengthening cells and synaptic connections when engaged in demanding tasks. This process can even be observed using MRI brain scans.
In children, the number of neurons increases by 30% within five years when they learn to play a musical instrument. This phenomenon does not surprise researchers, as the developing brain of a child needs to expand to prepare for adult life.
Caution with Smart Drugs
Previously, it was believed that cognitive decline sets in around the age of 35, particularly concerning fluid intelligence – the ability to think logically and solve problems creatively. However, crystalline intelligence, which encompasses accumulated knowledge, facts, and learned skills, tends to remain intact. Some individuals, known as „Superagers,“ maintain the cognitive abilities of a 40-year-old well into their 80s.
Anne Maas from the University of Magdeburg is currently researching 80 individuals over the age of 80 to uncover the reasons behind their exceptional cognitive fitness in old age. Initial hypotheses point to good genetics, a healthy lifestyle free from excessive tobacco, alcohol, stress, anger, and bitterness. Conversely, dementia affects 440,000 seniors in Germany each year, with a total of 1.8 million individuals affected.
Recent research confirms that every brain retains the capacity to generate new neurons well into old age; the key is to stimulate this process.
Researchers studying London taxi drivers found that the region of the brain responsible for spatial memory, the hippocampus, is notably enlarged due to their constant need to memorize street names, intersections, public buildings, and routes. Perhaps we should all rely less on GPS and challenge our brains with navigation tasks more often!
What works and what doesn’t?
A research group at Leibniz University in Hannover examined neuroenhancers, known as Smart Drugs, designed to enhance cognitive performance. Most of these substances proved ineffective or were so potent that they fell under drug laws, causing addiction, leading to bans, or requiring prescriptions. Examples include Speed (Benzedrine), Ecstasy, Cocaine, and ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall.
Engaging in routine activities like solving Sudoku puzzles, crosswords, or logic games is also less effective. Instead, learning complex new skills is more beneficial.
Natural neuroenhancers include caffeine from coffee, which scientifically boosts concentration and agility.
Anna-Lena Schubert highly recommends Creatine and Omega-3 fatty acids. „Creatine is an organic acid crucial for cell energy supply,“ she explains. According to a study by the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2) at the Jülich Research Center, Creatine enhances brain metabolism and cognitive performance. However, excessive consumption can lead to kidney damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids are even more beneficial. They not only enhance brain fitness but also support brain rejuvenation or slow down the aging process. Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen cell membranes, improve intercellular communication, and reduce inflammation. Since the body does not produce Omega-3, it must be obtained through diet, with fish and meat being primary sources. Anna-Lena Schubert advises individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet to supplement with Omega-3 oils.
According to current research findings, a holistic approach is crucial for maintaining cognitive performance: a healthy diet, minimal alcohol, nicotine, and drug consumption, low emotional stress, regular physical activity, mental stimulation, and consistent meditative breaks. Several start-ups provide webinars and fitness programs to support brain health.
Brain Coaching for Cognitive Fitness
Swiss-based Hirncoach AG, a spin-off from the University of Bern, offers scientifically based and researched programs for brain training. Founded in 2022 by Barbara Studer, a mother, musician, and neuroscientist, along with psychologists Rahel Wermelinger and Maria Brasser, the company has already engaged half a million participants in its programs.
According to Hirncoach, training groups have shown significant improvements in cognitive performance tests, such as attention, memory, and working memory, compared to pre-training results. Participants also reported enhanced well-being. The company now offers specialized programs for businesses, schools, and seniors.
„It is about demonstrating that brain fitness is easily attainable and can even be improved,“ says Studer. „For instance, I dance in the kitchen while making breakfast and try to walk barefoot as often as possible. Both activities stimulate the brain. Some people juggle – it doesn’t have to be with balls; potatoes work too. I wouldn’t recommend using eggs, though; they might break.“
Juggling coordinates the brain’s hemispheres and activates the prefrontal cortex, which serves as an organizational hub for the brain. This region generates plans, sets priorities, devises solutions, and creates to-do lists. „I juggle before writing texts,“ adds Studer.
Use it or lose it
Studer emphasizes the importance of consistently challenging the brain. The motto is „Use it or lose it“ – without regular mental stimulation, cognitive abilities, concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills may diminish.
Is my brain already cooking?
At the University of Mainz, the tasks become increasingly challenging and extensive. Four peculiarly scribbled drawings are presented on paper. Which fourth drawing fits the sequence? Confusing math problems require solutions. Bizarre stories must be briefly memorized, followed by answering seven questions. What is the janitor’s name? Who provides catering?
Time is slipping away, and some tasks prove difficult or impossible to solve completely. My brain feels like it’s simmering. I reach for a banana.
Next, we descend to the basement for the EEG test. Electroencephalogram. My brainwaves will reveal which brain area is particularly active during the upcoming tasks.
My head is measured (circumference: 59 centimeters, „relatively large“), and a student assistant, Luis Ahrens, 24, places a cap with 62 holes on my head. Each hole contains an electrode to measure my brainwaves. Ahrens fills each electrode with conductive gel until the red LED light turns green, a process that takes time. I feel like a human Christmas tree with all the blinking lights on my head.
Finally, Ahrens affixes a 63rd electrode below my eye. „It measures blinking,“ he explains. „It produces a strong signal that interferes with the weak electrical impulses from deep within your brain. We will filter out the blinking signal from your excitement curve later.“
I blink, causing the bars on the monitor to fluctuate wildly. Then the test begins.
Letter pairs, large and small letters randomly appear on the screen (cf, Pd, UU, be). If two different letters appear, I must press the red button swiftly, focusing on reaction time. However, if identical letters appear (Aa, BB, dd, xX), I should press the green button. It sounds simple at first but progressively becomes faster and relentless. My initial success gives way to challenges, distractions, and the need for heightened concentration.
Finally, the test concludes, and Ahrens removes the cap. My head feels empty on the inside and sticky on the outside from the gel. A sink and towel provide a brief respite.
I am eager to learn the results.
Dancing and singing follow
The results arrive a few days later.
Overall score: average.
Processing capacity: average.
Verbal: above average.
Creativity: above average.
Numerical: below average.
Information processing speed: 710 milliseconds. Below average.
There is room for improvement. I plan to purchase some potatoes, dance barefoot, and sing while tossing them in the air. Hopefully, this unconventional approach will yield positive results. And hopefully, no one is watching!
