Bird watching keeps the brain flexible and slows cognitive decline

New research shows that birdwatching supports neuroplasticity in the brain, an important factor against age-related cognitive decline. Researcher Erik Wing from the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education in Toronto discovered through MRI scans that experienced birdwatchers display increased structural complexity in multiple brain regions. Particularly when identifying obscure birds, brain areas responsible for attention, visual perception and recognition were...