The Cambridge Handbook of Cognitive Aging: A Life Course Perspective

Description

Decades of research have demonstrated that normal aging is accompanied by cognitive change. Much of this change has been conceptualized as a decline in function. However, age-related changes are not universal, and decrements in older adult performance may be moderated by experience, genetics, and environmental factors. Cognitive aging research to date has also largely emphasized biological changes in the brain, with less evaluation of the range of external contributors to behavioral manifestations of age-related decrements in performance. This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge cognitive aging research through the lens of a life course perspective that takes into account both behavioral and neural changes. Focusing on the fundamental principles that characterize a life course approach - genetics, early life experiences, motivation, emotion, social contexts, and lifestyle interventions - this handbook is an essential resource for researchers in cognition, aging, and gerontology.

Ayanna K. Thomas is Professor of Psychology at Tufts University, Massachusetts. She takes a translational approach to the study of memory and age-related changes in cognition by applying basic science findings to areas such as eyewitness memory, education, and cognitive aging. Angela Gutchess is Associate Professor of Psychology at Brandeis University, Massachusetts, with appointments in the Neuroscience Program and the Volen Center for Complex Systems. Her research investigates the influence of age and culture on memory and social cognition, using behavioral, neuroimaging (fMRI), electrophysiological (EEG), and patient research methods.

'A go-to resource for both novice and expert researchers, this timely handbook takes a life course perspective on cognitive aging - from biology to culture. Expert chapters synthesize new evidence in core cognitive domains, review novel approaches to interventions and lifespan trajectories, and offer fresh perspectives on emotional, social, and lifestyle influences on the aging mind.' Patricia A. Reuter-Lorenz 'The Cambridge Handbook of Cognitive Aging is a comprehensive compendium of cutting-edge perspectives by a veritable who's who of experts in the field. This informative and innovative volume will be an invaluable resource for years to come.' Margie E. Lachman, Minnie and Harold Fierman Professor of Psychology, Brandeis University 'This handbook, which provides a comprehensive review by leading researchers of age-related changes in cognitive functioning, is unique in assessing the emerging role of experiential, environmental, social, emotional, and other life-course factors in cognitive aging. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in human aging.' Moshe Naveh-Benjamin, University of Missouri 'This comprehensive international handbook of theories and mechanisms of cognitive aging adopts a life course perspective and provides detailed coverage of domain-specific models, social and emotional contexts, early-life influences and biological predispositions, and later-life interventions. This extensive overview will appeal most to graduate students and researchers ...' E. R. Paterson, Choice