Cognitive deficits are part of the normal aging process and are exacerbated by various diseases that affect adults in old age, such as dementia, depression, and stroke. A significant scientific and social effort has been expended to evaluate whether cognitive deficits can be remedied through systematic interventions. The editors, as well as the chapter authors, represent a variety of viewpoints that span theory as well as practice. Overall, they aim to address concepts in cognitive rehabilitation that are useful in intervention research — research which examines problems and issues in normal and pathological aging — and focusing on the application of cognitive training strategies in natural settings. Thus, the book is grounded in contemporary theory in cognitive aging and is applicable to both the practicing clinician as well as the researcher.
It is organized into four sections. The first highlights prominent theoretical principles; the second looks at cognitive rehabilitation strategies in normal aging; the third examines the interplay between lifestyle patterns and cognitive function through applying a broad definition of lifestyle choices; and the fourth focuses on rehabilitation strategies that address issues in pathological (or diseased) aging.




"The authors provide a comprehensive overview of important topics" — Annals, March 2001

"Gerontologists and psychologists explore concepts that could aid research into intervening to reverse or slow cognitive deficits resulting from old age, and the application of specific cognitive training strategies in natural settings. They look at theoretical principles, rehabilitation strategies in normal and pathologicalaging, and the interplay between lifestyle patterns and cognitive function. The study is addressed to both researchers and practitioners." — SciTech Book News, June 2000