The strengthening and stabilization of nerve fibers were found to be associated with increased cognitive abilities.
A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma has shown that individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who regularly engage in computer cognitive exercises experience improvements in both neuroplasticity and cognitive functions.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize and restore neural connections that facilitate learning and information processing. Nerve fibers connect neurons and are involved in processes such as speech, memory, and problem-solving. In a healthy brain, these connections are strong and numerous; however, after an injury, they can become damaged and weakened—similar to telephone lines after a storm. The findings help to better understand how resilient the brain is and what its self-repair capabilities are.
The study involved 17 adults aged 24 to 56 with chronic TBI. They were randomly divided into two groups: one engaged in computer training, while the other served as a control group. Participants in the experimental group worked with the Brain Fitness Program 2.0, which included tasks for memorizing sequences of syllables, distinguishing sound frequencies, and recalling details from a heard story. In total, they completed 40 hours of training over 14 weeks.
Using diffusion MRI, which allows tracking the movement of water molecules in brain tissues, scientists observed significant changes in the structure of nerve fibers in those who underwent the training compared to the control group. These structural changes were accompanied by improvements in information processing speed, attention concentration, and working memory.
According to the researchers, the results indicate that the strengthening and stabilization of nerve fibers are associated with increased cognitive abilities in adults with chronic TBI. This confirms that the brain can change and recover over time even after injury—provided there are regular cognitive training sessions.
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