Positive and Negative Neuroplasticity: Implications for Age-Related Cognitive Declines

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.