Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 35 No. 6 June 2009
By David E. Vance, PhD, MGS; Mary Annette Wright, PhD, CRNP
ABSTRACT
Cognitive complaints and declines increase with age, which can interfere with everyday functioning and quality of life for older adults. With the increasing number of older adults, the need to promote successful cognitive aging will grow. Nurses, as health educators, will be increasingly called on to provide patients with information on how to avoid cognitive problems and accentuate cognitive abilities. This article provides some of the basic principles and ways of facilitating successful cognitive aging, such as positive and negative neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve, that can be incorporated into nursing education. Furthermore, this information can be an impetus for nurse researchers to explore evidence-based methods to facilitate successful cognitive aging.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Vance is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Edward R. Roybal Center for Translational Research in Aging and Mobility, and Dr. Wright is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to David E. Vance, PhD, MGS, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Room 456, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210; e-mail: devance@uab.edu.
Received: September 30, 2008
Accepted: February 11, 2009
Posted: May 22, 2009
doi:10.9999/00989134-20090428-02
