[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Sekuler.jpg” caption=”Pictured above, Alison Sekuler. Pictured below, Jessie Temesi, a participant in one of Allison Sekuler’s vision experiments, demonstrates an eye-tracking system used in Sekuler’s lab.”]Gray hair doesn't necessarily mean a decline in the old gray matter. What might be happening in the aging brain is actually amazing – and the focus of psychologist Allison Sekuler's Science in the City lecture tonight (Tuesday, May 3).

Her talk, The Amazing, Changing, Aging Brain will highlight recent research from her lab that highlights the 'trade-offs' that happen with our brain as we age and the fascinating ways our brain can reorganize itself when faced with new challenges.

“Some of the trade-offs are better, some are worse,” says Sekuler, Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, “the older brain is worse at inhibiting information, so finding a pen on a cluttered desk becomes more of a chore than it would for someone younger.”

However, the aging brain is actually better at processing the clutter itself – essentially seeing the proverbial “big picture” that the younger brain might be tuning out.

Sekuler will discuss how the amazing brain can actually reorganize itself and has the ability to recruit from new areas as a trade-off for lost functions such as the ability to recall words.

Sekuler and her collaborators are also undertaking studies to determine if there are any drug interventions that could lead to improving the brain by encouraging a young brain to develop the positive attributes of the older brain, or for the older brain to retain the attributes of the younger brain.

“We're looking at drug therapies, but we're also looking at studies on how we can train the brain. I'll be talking about this research and the implications for our aging society – the 'graying population' is the fastest growing group in Canada,” notes Sekuler.

In an interview with the Hamilton Spectator, Sekuler says that, “the most important thing for people to realize is that they are able to learn new things, able to try new things and they should be doing that and staying active.”

Tonight's lecture takes place in the Hamilton Spectator auditorium, 44 Frid Street in Hamilton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. To reserve your seat, e-mail sciencecity@mcmaster.ca or by phone, 905-525-9140, ext. 24934. This lecture is free and all are welcome.