Promoting Healthy Cognitive Aging: Psychological Approaches and Interventions

Dear Colleagues,

Healthy cognitive ageing is a lifelong process of optimizing functions along the cognitive continuum. This theory reflects a paradigm shift from a biomedical model to a biopsychosocial model, which has led to a high level of research focusing on early prevention and interventions regarding cognitive decline, using an interdisciplinary approach.

Currently, a large amount of evidence shows that lifestyle modifications and cardiovascular risk management represent promising strategies to improve cognitive trajectories in later life. However, it has been noted that results regarding the effects of psychological interventions in enhancing cognitive health in old age are less consistent and under-studied. Many clinical trials have only explored the effectiveness of psychological therapies in individuals with dementia.

When reviewing the effectiveness of early interventions, it is very important to also examine data prior to dementia onset. At the same time, it is pertinent to clarify how later-life changes in mental health and interpersonal networks might interact with brain health and how psychological means associate with cognitive functioning in old age. Social participation and family solidarity are potential areas that could be integrated with psychological interventions to enhance cognitive health through building cognitive reserves.

This Special Issue will explore the implementation of evidence-based interventions as part of a psychological approach across different settings. Furthermore, it will help to compare results to inform practice, research, and policy making, to support healthy cognitive ageing.

Dr. Ada Wai Tung Fung
Guest Editor

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• mental wellness
• brain health
• cognitive preservation
• psychosocial interventions
• healthy and active ageing