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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Promotion of cognitive health through cognitive activity in the aging population
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA, Tel.: +1 412 647 6619, , hughest2@upmc.edu.
Abstract:
There is both popular and scientific interest in keeping the brain young and avoiding cognitive impairment and dementia. Older adults may be able to modify their cognitive health status through certain health behaviors. The aim of this review is to highlight the potential impact that cognitive activity may have on cognitive health outcomes in late life. Evidence from observational studies and randomized, controlled trials suggests that engagement in activities that are cognitively stimulating is beneficial to cognitive functioning. There are many issues and questions that need to be addressed before specific recommendations can be made at the population level or to individual patients. However, older adults should be encouraged to stay active and to try new and challenging activities in general to promote their cognitive and overall health.
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