衰老科学杂志

抽象的

Interdisciplinary View of Ageing and Cognition

Josef Zihl*

Cognitive decline as part of mental ageing is typically assessed with standardized tests; below-average performance in such tests is used as an indicator for pathological cognitive aging. In addition, morphological and functional changes in the brain are used as parameters for age-related pathological decline in cognitive abilities. However, there is no simple link between the trajectories of changes in cognition and morphological or functional changes in the brain. Furthermore, below-average test performance does not necessarily mean a significant impairment in everyday activities. It therefore appears crucial to record individual everyday cognitive requirements in functional terms. This would also allow reliable assessment of the ecological validity of existing and insufficient cognitive skills. Understanding and dealing with the phenomena and consequences of mental aging does of course not only depend on cognition. Motivation and emotions as well as personal notions about the quality and meaning of life and life satisfaction play an equally important role. This means, however, that cognition represents only one, albeit important, aspect of mental aging. Routines and habits for coping with life's challenges should be taught and acquired in childhood and early adulthood. A desirable goal is a greater cooperation between basic and applied sciences in aging research, a quick translation of the research results into practice, and a close cooperation between all disciplines and professions who advise and support the elderly.