Cover image for Nurturing the Older Brain and Mind
Title:
Nurturing the Older Brain and Mind
Physical Description:
xii, 329 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm.
ISBN:
9780262017145
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30000010363032 QP376 G74 2012 Open Access Book Gift Book
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Summary

Summary

Two noted researchers explain scientific evidence that shows why certain experiential and lifestyle factors may promote and maintain cognitive vitality in older adults.

Although our physical abilities clearly decline as we age, cognitive decline in healthy old age is neither universal nor inevitable. In Nurturing the Older Brain , Pamela Greenwood and Raja Parasuraman show that scientific research does not support the popular notion of the inexorable and progressive effects of cognitive aging in all older adults. They report that many adults maintain a high level of cognitive function into old age and that certain experiential and lifestyle factors--including education, exercise, diet, and opportunities for new learning--contribute to the preservation of cognitive abilities.

Many popular accounts draw similar conclusions and give similar lifestyle advice but lack supporting scientific evidence. Greenwood and Parasuraman offer a comprehensive review of research on cognitive and brain aging. They show that even the aged brain remains capable of plasticity--the ability to adapt to and benefit from experience--and they summarize evidence that brain plasticity is heightened by certain types of cognitive training, by aerobic exercise, and by certain diets. They also report on the somewhat controversial use of estrogen and cognition-enhancing drugs, on environmental adaptations (including "virtual assistants") that help older adults "age in place," and on genetic factors in cognitive aging.

The past twenty years of research points to ways that older adults can lead rich and cognitively vital lives. As millions of baby boomers head toward old age, Greenwood and Parasuraman's accessible book could not be more timely.


Author Notes

Pamela M. Greenwood is Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at George Mason University. Raja Parasuraman is University Professor in the Psychology Department at George Mason University. He is the editor of The Attentive Brain (MIT Press, 1998).


Table of Contents

Prefacep. ix
1 Global Aging and Cognitive Functioningp. 1
2 Cognitive Aging: Neither Universal nor Inevitablep. 9
3 Brain Aging and Cognitive Agingp. 19
4 Ameliorating Cognitive Aging: A Neurocognitive Frameworkp. 49
5 Cognitive Challenge in Youthp. 71
6 Physical Exercisep. 81
7 Diet and Nutritionp. 97
8 Estrogen and Other Cognition-Enhancing Drugsp. 127
9 Learning, Cognitive Training, and Cognitive Stimulationp. 143
10 Combined Effects of Interventions and Preventative Actionsp. 167
11 Modifying the Work Environment and the Home Environmentp. 173
12 Nurture via Nature: Genetics, Environment, and Cognitionp. 187
13 What Can and What Should Be Done to Support Cognitive Vitality in Older Adults?p. 209
Glossaryp. 217
Notesp. 225
Bibliographyp. 263
Indexp. 327