HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Park, D. C. Articles by Stine-Morrow, E. A. L. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Park, D. C. Articles by Stine-Morrow, E. A. L.

Improving Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Nontraditional Approaches

¹ University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.
² Harvard University, Cambridge, and the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charleston, Massachusetts.

Address correspondence to Denise C. Park, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. E-mail: denisep{at}uiuc.edu

This article considers two nontraditional approaches for developing interventions to improve cognition in older adults. Neither of these approaches relies on traditional explicit training of specific abilities in the laboratory. The first technique involves the activation of automatic processes through the formation of implementation intentions that enhance the probability that a desired action will be completed, such as remembering to take medications. The second involves experimentally studying the role of active social and cognitive engagement in improving cognition. We then consider methodological issues associated with the use of these novel techniques.