New Study Shows Reversal of Chemical Loss from Aging

Written by: Stephanie Beebe
Updated: 04/14/2026
Published: 04/14/2026

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health and conducted by researchers at McGill University found that BrainHQ brain-training exercises can restore acetylcholine — the brain's key "pay attention" chemical — to levels typically seen in someone about 10 years younger, after just 10 weeks of 30-minute daily sessions.

Acetylcholine is critical for attention, learning, memory, and brain plasticity. Its production naturally declines starting in our late 20s, contributing to cognitive difficulties in our 40s–80s, and drops severely in people with Alzheimer's and related dementia.

Crucially, only BrainHQ users — not those playing casual online games — showed the increase, suggesting the scientific design of the exercises (progressively challenging tasks performed at faster speeds) is what drives the neuroplasticity benefits.

"The training restored cholinergic health to levels typically seen in someone 10 years younger. This is the first time any intervention, drug or non-drug, has been shown to do that in humans." — Dr. Etienne de Villers-Sidani, McGill University

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Stephanie Beebe

Stephanie Beebe is a trusted health, wellness, and senior care specialist with over 16 years of experience. Since 2009, she has focused on helping seniors live safely and independently through nutrition, hearing health, and remote care solutions.