[kabowen]

In contrast, see the 17 articles linked at: http://blog.strong-brain.com/mental-agility/research/ The situation is no different than that regarding plasticity. One can easily find such "consensus" statements in the pre-50s literature to the effect that brain structure and neuron "allotment" is fixed by adolescence.

[lqdc13]

There are some papers that claim it yes, but there are meta analysis papers that take those into account as well and overall conclusion is that it doesn't help with "fluid intelligence". One can develop new skills though just like with every other activity.

Meta analysis: http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/dev/49/2/270/

Scientific american article about it: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brain-training-doe...