Congratulations to Prof. Boaz Ben-David of the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology and Dr. Yulia Golland of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine on winning a BSF-NSF research grant for a study examining how brief, playful social interactions affect brain function and cognitive performance in older adults. Using advanced brain imaging techniques (fMRI at 3T and 7T field strengths), the researchers are studying how playfulness affects the brain’s salience network — the system responsible for identifying and prioritizing important information. In addition, their research explores how playful interactions alter this network’s connections with other brain systems involved in attention, language, and movement — connections that typically weaken with age.
In parallel, the researchers measure physiological markers of arousal, such as pupil size, skin conductance, and heart rate, as well as spontaneous mood indicators (facial muscle activity) to understand how positive arousal supports cognitive improvement and preservation in older age. The study also examines how playfulness activates brainstem regions responsible for the release of norepinephrine (locus coeruleus) and dopamine (for example, the substantia nigra). The researchers have found that the efficient functioning of these areas is essential for cognitive preservation in old age, whereas a decline is associated with dementia-related morbidity.
By linking changes in brain activity and physiological indicators to improved performance on attention, memory, and verbal fluency tests, the study aims to show how moments of play bolster cognitive flexibility in later life. These findings are expected to lead to the development of simple and inexpensive interventions that can be implemented in clinical settings and in the community. This research is therefore a prime example of “translational science” — turning scientific insights from brain and cognitive research into actionable solutions to promote healthy aging.
Prof. Boaz Ben-David and Dr. Yulia Golland’s research partners are Prof. Mara Mather of the University of Southern California and Prof. Shoshi Keisari of the University of Haifa.