A 2025 10-week study led by researchers at McGill University of 92 healthy adults aged 65 or older found that doing rigorous cognitive training for 30 minutes per day increased acetylcholine levels by 2.3% in the anterior cingulate cortex.
October 22, 2025
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Acetylcholine was measured in the anterior cingulate cortex using PET imaging to assess the effect of targeted cognitive training.
Acetylcholine levels in some brain regions typically decline by approximately 2.5% per decade as part of normal aging.
October 22, 2025
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This rate is a commonly cited order-of-magnitude estimate for age-related decline in acetylcholine signaling in relevant brain areas.
Acetylcholine levels generally begin a gradual decline around middle age and decline sharply in people with Alzheimer's disease.
October 22, 2025
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Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter closely associated with attention, memory, and other aspects of cognitive performance.