International Study of 1,400 Brain Scans Reveals Creative Outlets Can Reduce Brain Age by Up to Seven Years

Engaging in creative activities can significantly slow brain aging, potentially making brains appear years younger, according to a groundbreaking international study published in Nature Communications. Research involving over 1,400 brain scans found that sustained creative engagement was consistently associated with a "younger" brain profile, with some activities reducing biological brain age by as much as seven years. The findings suggest that creative pursuits could be a powerful, accessible tool for promoting brain health and delaying age-related cognitive decline.

The comprehensive study, led by researchers from the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at Trinity College Dublin and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, analyzed brain data from participants across 13 countries. Scientists utilized advanced "brain clock" models to compare biological brain age against chronological age, assessing the impact of various creative experiences. This large-scale analysis provides robust scientific evidence directly linking creative engagement to measurable protection of brain health.

Specific creative outlets demonstrated varying degrees of protective effects. Tango dancers, for instance, exhibited brains that appeared more than seven years younger than their chronological age. Musicians and visual artists showed an average reduction of five to six years in brain age, while strategy gamers experienced approximately four years of brain age reduction. Even short-term training in new creative activities yielded measurable benefits, indicating that expertise is not a prerequisite for positive outcomes.

Researchers identified that creative engagement supports more efficient brain networks and stronger connectivity, particularly in regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This suggests that creative activities help safeguard critical brain areas from age-related decline. The study highlights creativity as a public health resource, proposing implications for clinical interventions and health policy.

Dr. Agustin Ibanez, a senior author of the study, emphasized, "Creativity emerges as a powerful determinant of brain health, comparable to exercise or diet." Dr. Carlos Coronel, the first author, added, "One of our key takeaways is that you do not need to be an expert to benefit from creativity." These experts underscore that diverse creative practices share common benefits for brain health and healthy aging.

The findings suggest that creativity could be "prescribed" as a low-cost and accessible method to protect brain health, much like physical exercise. The study's use of "brain clocks" not only assesses negative influences on brain health but also effectively measures the positive impact of resilience-building experiences. This research opens new avenues for creativity-based interventions to protect the brain against aging and disease.