Cognitive Training and Rehabilitation in Aging

Abstract

Aging is a life stage in which progressive deterioration occurs in biological, psychological, and socio-cultural processes. Therefore, along with all the other changes observed in aging, cognitive change is inevitable. In older adulthood, the speed of processing information, the ability to remember contextual information such as where and when events occur, and executive function performance are impaired. Moreover, this change in cognitive processes causes the deterioration of functionality in daily life. Although it is well known that physical activity, nutrition, and social support play a key role in preventing the adverse effects of aging, the impact of cognitive training and rehabilitation have been relatively less studied. This review aims to examine cognitive training and rehabilitation practices applied to different cognitive processes (episodic memory, working memory, executive functions, attention and processing speed) to help compensate for or regain cognitive functions that are impaired in older adults. In this context, the effectiveness of the practices, the transfer of gains to different cognitive areas, and whether they are preserved for long periods were examined. The contribution of conscious and systematic practices, such as cognitive training and rehabilitation, in reducing the adverse effects of aging has been discussed.

Keywords

• aging
• cognitive aging
• cognitive training
• cognitive rehabilitation