Imagine you’re at a dance party, but instead of grooving to the latest beats, scientists are shaking it up in the fascinating realm of cognitive neuroscience. While this field of study is still relatively young compared to its older siblings, it has made remarkable strides in understanding how our brains age and how age affects our thinking abilities. In a recent scientometric and bibliometric analysis, researchers delved into the cognitive neuroscience of aging (CNA) to uncover its primary research topics, theories, and important brain regions. They discovered that memory and attention have stolen the spotlight, with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) playing a leading role in unraveling their mysteries. The scaffolding theory and hemispheric asymmetry reduction model emerged as key players in CNA, showcasing how aging is a dynamic process that involves compensatory relationships between different brain areas. Notably, age-related changes often occur in specific brain regions like the hippocampus, parietal, and frontal lobes, while the anterior and posterior regions collaborate to offset cognitive decline. So, let’s slip on our science shoes and explore the thrilling world of cognitive neuroscience—a window into the wondrous dance of aging minds!
Cognitive neuroscience of aging (CNA) is a relatively young field compared with other branches of cognitive aging (CA). From the beginning of this century, scholars in CNA have contributed many valuable research to explain the cognitive ability decline in aging brains in terms of functional changes, neuromechanism, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, very few studies have systematically reviewed the research in the domain of CAN, with regard to its primary research topics, theories, findings, and future development. Therefore, this study used CiteSpace to conduct a bibliometric analysis of 1,462 published articles in CNA from Web of Science (WOS) and investigated the highly influential and potential research topics and theories of CNA, as well as important brain areas involved in CAN during 2000–2021. The results revealed that: (1) the research topics of “memory” and “attention” have been the focus of most studies, progressing into a fMRI-oriented stage; (2) the scaffolding theory and hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults model hold a key status in CNA, characterizing aging as a dynamic process and presenting compensatory relationships between different brain areas; and (3) age-related changes always occur in temporal (especially the hippocampus), parietal, and frontal lobes and the cognitive declines establish the compensation relationship between the anterior and posterior regions.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.