Aging and neuroplasticity

Abstract

Neuroimaging techniques have been invaluable to studying the structural and functional properties of the brain that are associated with neuroplasticity in aging. The application of these techniques suggest that neuroplasticity differs from compensation and brain resilience in the context of healthy aging. Evidence from neuroimaging studies also suggests that aspects of neuroplasticity are similar in healthy aging and in age-related cognitive impairment and dementia, whereas neuroplasticity in other major neurological disorders exhibits a different set of features. Important future directions include the examination of differences in structural versus functional properties of neuroplasticity in aging, and whether neuroplasticity continues into advanced age.