Cognitive decline as part of mental ageing is typically assessed with standardized tests; below-average performance in such tests is used as an indicator for pathological cognitive aging. In addition, morphological and functional changes in the brain are used as parameters for age-related pathological decline in cognitive abilities. However, there is no simple link between the trajectories of changes in cognition and morphological or functional changes in the brain. Furthermore, below-average test performance does not necessarily mean a significant impairment in everyday activities. It therefore appears crucial to record individual everyday tasks and their cognitive (and other) requirements in functional terms. This would also allow reliable assessment of the ecological validity of existing and insufficient cognitive skills. Understanding and dealing with the phenomena and consequences of mental aging does of course not only depend on cognition. Motivation and emotions as well personal meaning of life and life satisfaction play an equally important role. This means, however, that cognition represents only one, albeit important, aspect of mental aging. Furthermore, creating and development of proper assessment tools for functional cognition is important. In this contribution we would like to discuss some aspects that we consider relevant for a holistic view of the aging mind and promote a strengthening of a multidisciplinary approach with close cooperation between all basic and applied sciences involved in aging research, a quick translation of the research results into practice, and a close cooperation between all disciplines and professions who advise and support older people.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9997127 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nbas.2022.100060 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: A High-level Hub for Allostatic Cardiovascular Control.
Curr Neuropharmacol
January 2025
2-nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is increasingly targeted by various noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial current stimulation protocols in a range of neuropsychiatric and other brain disorders. The rationale for this therapeutic modulation remains elusive. A model is proposed, and up-to-date evidence is discussed, suggesting that the dlPFC is a high-level cortical centre where uncertainty management, movement facilitation, and cardiovascular control processes are intertwined and integrated to deliver optimal behavioural responses in particular environmental or emotional contexts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: While aerobic exercises have demonstrated efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and improving psychological symptoms associated with cognitive impairments, they may not be feasible due to multiple disabilities. Other gentle exercises with mindful approaches, such as "Yoga-like", have been explored but lack clear evidence.
Aim: To assess the efficacy of a "Yoga-like" intervention on cognitive and psychological features in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease (AD).
Multi-domain Online Therapeutic Investigation of Neurocognition (MOTION) - A randomized comparative-effectiveness study of two remotely delivered mind-body interventions for older adults with cognitive decline.
Contemp Clin Trials
January 2025
Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America.
Background: Research suggest that mind-body movement programs have beneficial effects on cognitive outcomes for older adults with cognitive decline. However, few studies have directly compared specific approaches to mind-body movement or studied the impact of remote program delivery.
Methods: In a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) for older adults with cognitive impairment, we are comparing a multidomain mind-body program that emphasizes movement, body awareness, personal meaningfulness, and social connection, and a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise (Tai Chi) to a health and wellness education control condition.
Associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein with neuropsychological outcomes and cerebral white matter hyperintensities in older adults at risk of dementia.
Brain Behav Immun Health
February 2025
Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.
Inflammation is becoming increasingly recognised as a core feature of dementia with evidence indicating that its role may vary and adapt across different stages of the neurodegenerative process. This study aimed to investigate whether the associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with neuropsychological performance (verbal memory, executive function, processing speed) and cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) differed between older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD; = 179) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI; = 286). Fasting serum hs-CRP concentrations were grouped into low (<1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Relationships between Subjective Wellbeing and Frailty: Staying with a Positive Mind, Stepping away from Accelerated Aging.
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci
January 2025
Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Background: Subjective wellbeing (SWB) is a crucial measure of life quality in older adults. Understanding its relationship with frailty may inform strategies to promote healthy aging.
Methods: We analyzed data for older adults aged ≥ 60 years old from Waves 3 and 4 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!