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Cognitive exercise and its role in cognitive function in older adults
Nicola Gates1, Michael Valenzuela
1Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia. nicola.gates@student.unsw.edu.au
Current Psychiatry Reports
|April 29, 2010
Summary
Engaging in complex mental activities, like cognitive training (CT), may reduce dementia risk. Multidomain CT shows potential for improving cognition in healthy aging and slowing decline in those with cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Complex mental activity is linked to reduced dementia risk.
- Interest is high in cognitive exercise for preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
- Terminology in the field is currently unclear, hindering progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define cognitive training (CT) clearly.
- To critically review clinical research on CT in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia.
- To explore practical aspects of CT and provide recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical research on cognitive training.
- Critical evaluation of studies in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia.
- Analysis of commercial cognitive training products.
Main Results:
- Multidomain CT shows potential for cognitive improvement in healthy older adults.
- Multidomain CT may slow cognitive decline in individuals with cognitive impairment.
- Methodological limitations exist across current CT research.
Conclusions:
- A clear definition of cognitive training is proposed.
- Evidence suggests multidomain CT benefits cognitive function and may mitigate decline.
- Recommendations for future research and clinical use are provided.
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