Year: 2010
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Human development has been shown to be modifi able at all phases in the lifespan, although the range of modifi ability may vary by chronological age and life experiences. Cognitive Plasticity is concerned with the individual's capacity to acquire cognitive skills and may be assessed in both brain structure and behavior. Cognitive Plasticity in cognitive aging research has most frequently been examined through short-term cognitive training studies, examining the range of modifi ability of cognition through intervention procedures. Findings from cognitive training research both within the Seattle Longitudinal Study and the ACTIVE clinical trial of cognitive intervention are reported. These cognitive training studies have reported that the majority of community-dwelling older adults can improve their cognitive ability through brief training programs; there are wide individual differences in responsiveness to training. Training is effective both for older adults who have declined in their ability and those with no cognitive decline. Cognitive training effects have been maintained over several years. There are limitations and constraints on cognitive plasticity. Chronic health conditions may moderate the effi cacy of cognitive interventions, and only modest training effects have been found for older adults with cognitive impairment such as dementia. Future research on cognitive training and plasticity should examine the effi cacy of interventions for maintaining everyday activities. Multiple cognitive abilities are involved in everyday tasks, and thus cognitive cross training across abilities may be required. With aging, the individual needs to set priorities on the abilities and activities of most importance to the individual and choose challenging activities that one enjoys and will engage in
Author: Sherry L. Willis
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2554427005