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Lifestyle Factors and Successful Cognitive Aging in Older Adults

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Positive Neuropsychology

Abstract

While most if not all individuals seek to age successfully, factors that influence cognitive aging are just beginning to be understood. In years past, it was believed that genetic factors played a primary role in cognitive longevity, but it is now known that various lifestyle factors play an important role in successful cognitive and general aging. The present chapter aims to review lifestyle factors that contribute to cognitive health in older adults. In particular, we review research examining the role of exercise, sleep, diet and vascular health, and attitudes and stereotypes about aging on cognition in elders. We also discuss the impact of various cognitive, social, community-based, and multimodal- interventions on cognitive health. We conclude with recommended future research and intervention-oriented directions that may further our understanding and promotion of successful cognitive aging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    Maureen K. O’Connor PsyD, ABPP

  2. Department of Psychology, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA

    Maureen K. O’Connor PsyD, ABPP

  3. Center for Cognitive Wellness, Burlington, MA, USA

    Malissa L. Kraft PsyD, ABPP

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  1. Maureen K. O’Connor PsyD, ABPP
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  2. Malissa L. Kraft PsyD, ABPP
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Correspondence to Maureen K. O’Connor PsyD, ABPP .

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  1. , Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Medical Center Drive DHMC 1, LEBANON, 03756, New Hampshire, USA

    John J. Randolph

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O’Connor, M.K., Kraft, M.L. (2013). Lifestyle Factors and Successful Cognitive Aging in Older Adults. In: Randolph, J. (eds) Positive Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6605-5_7

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