The Viva! ProgramThe Viva! Program

Does active engagement improve cognitive Does active engagement improve cognitive function? Can we defer cognitive aging?function? Can we defer cognitive aging?

The Viva! Study: Expose subjects to productive The Viva! Study: Expose subjects to productive engagement for 15 hours of week for two or engagement for 15 hours of week for two or more months and include a matched control.more months and include a matched control.

Engaged subjects learn to quilt: visuospatial, Engaged subjects learn to quilt: visuospatial, motor, memory, social stimulationmotor, memory, social stimulation

Subjects learning digital photography engaged Subjects learning digital photography engaged memory, motor skills, working memory and also memory, motor skills, working memory and also received social stimulation.received social stimulation.

Active EngagementActive Engagement

Cultural Neuroscience: A New Take Cultural Neuroscience: A New Take on Plasticityon Plasticity

Is brain and cognitive function equivalent Is brain and cognitive function equivalent across cultures?across cultures?

Does culture affect brain organization or Does culture affect brain organization or structure.structure.

Work with Michael Chee in SingaporeWork with Michael Chee in Singapore

fMR-Adaptation Experimental DesignfMR-Adaptation Experimental Design

P < .005 (uncorr)

SG

US

Goh et al., 2007, CABN

Old asians have NO object area; old Americans have a diminished object area. Both culture and age exert effects