The Adaptive Brain: Aging and Neurocognitive Scaffolding by Denise C. Park and Patricia Reuter-Lorenz discusses the cognitive and structural changes that occur with aging. Despite declines in processing speed, working memory, inhibitory function, and long-term memory, as well as reductions in brain structure and white matter integrity, functional imaging studies show increased prefrontal activation with age. The authors propose the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition (STAC), which suggests that the aging brain compensates for these declines through the use of alternative neural circuits, maintaining cognitive function. Scaffolding is a normal process across the lifespan, involving the use of complementary circuits to achieve cognitive goals. Evidence suggests that cognitive engagement, exercise, and low default network activation enhance this compensatory mechanism. The theory integrates behavioral and neuroimaging data, highlighting the brain's dynamic and adaptive nature. It posits that the brain continuously reorganizes to maintain cognitive function, with prefrontal areas playing a central role in compensating for declines in other brain regions. The theory also addresses the role of neurodegeneration, such as hippocampal and ventral visual cortex dysfunction, and how scaffolding helps maintain cognitive performance. The authors argue that while aging leads to structural and functional declines, the brain's ability to adapt through scaffolding allows for continued cognitive function. Individual variability in scaffolding capacity is also discussed, with factors such as physical fitness, cognitive stimulation, and training promoting scaffolding. The study concludes that the brain's adaptive response to aging, including the use of compensatory mechanisms, is crucial for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.The Adaptive Brain: Aging and Neurocognitive Scaffolding by Denise C. Park and Patricia Reuter-Lorenz discusses the cognitive and structural changes that occur with aging. Despite declines in processing speed, working memory, inhibitory function, and long-term memory, as well as reductions in brain structure and white matter integrity, functional imaging studies show increased prefrontal activation with age. The authors propose the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition (STAC), which suggests that the aging brain compensates for these declines through the use of alternative neural circuits, maintaining cognitive function. Scaffolding is a normal process across the lifespan, involving the use of complementary circuits to achieve cognitive goals. Evidence suggests that cognitive engagement, exercise, and low default network activation enhance this compensatory mechanism. The theory integrates behavioral and neuroimaging data, highlighting the brain's dynamic and adaptive nature. It posits that the brain continuously reorganizes to maintain cognitive function, with prefrontal areas playing a central role in compensating for declines in other brain regions. The theory also addresses the role of neurodegeneration, such as hippocampal and ventral visual cortex dysfunction, and how scaffolding helps maintain cognitive performance. The authors argue that while aging leads to structural and functional declines, the brain's ability to adapt through scaffolding allows for continued cognitive function. Individual variability in scaffolding capacity is also discussed, with factors such as physical fitness, cognitive stimulation, and training promoting scaffolding. The study concludes that the brain's adaptive response to aging, including the use of compensatory mechanisms, is crucial for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.