Enhancing the cognitive vitality of older adults

Arthur F. Kramer, Sherry L. Willis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aging is associated with decline in a multitude of cognitive processes and brain functions. However, a growing body of literature suggests that age-related decline in cognition can sometimes be reduced through experience, cognitive training, and other interventions such as fitness training. Research on cognitive training and expertise has suggested that age-related cognitive sparing is often quite narrow, being observed only on tasks and skills similar to those on which individuals have been trained. Furthermore, training and expertise benefits are often realized only after extensive practice with specific training strategies. Like cognitive training, fitness training has narrow effects on cognitive processes, but in the case of fitness training, the most substantial effects are observed for executive-control processes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)173-177
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science
Volume11
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2002

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Cognitive enhancement
  • Plasticity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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