Some people believe that eating right will keep their mind strong as they age, while others think they will remain sharp if they keep their brain challenged. However, based on new research from the University of Edinburgh, it appears that the quality of cognitive function later in life hinges on the number of nerve connections present in the brain.

During their study, researchers analyzed brain scans and test results related to the thinking and reaction times of 420 individuals who participated in the Lothian Birth Cohort of 1936. What they found was that older adults who had more nerve fiber connections – or wiring – in their brain also tended to be sharper later in life. This generally translated to higher intelligence and greater ease in processing information.

At the same time, those who had less brain wiring were unable to transmit signals from one part of the brain to another as well as subjects with more connections.

"The research team is now looking at what keeps the brain's connections healthy," said Ian Deary, who led the study. "We value our thinking skills, and research should address how we might retain them or slow their decline with age."

If individuals wish to gain insight into the quality of their mind as they age, they may want to take an IQ test.