Perspective écologique sur les déterminants de la vitalité cognitive des aînés

Abstract

Cognitive aging is a heterogeneous reality among the senior population. Studies have recently identified certain factors that may contribute to maintaining the cognitive health of seniors. To date, these research studies have primarily focused on individual determinants, namely: health conditions and lifestyle habits. A review of the literature was conducted in order to explore the socio-environmental factors that may influence the cognitive vitality of seniors. This review demonstrates that studies that have examined this potential link are very rare. Only the type and socioeconomic level of the neighbourhood of the residence, as well as the size of the social network, were identified as influential factors. However, studies have shown that the environment could modulate certain lifestyle habits which, in turn, can influence cognition. This article uses an ecological approach to illustrate individual and socio-environmental targets for the promotion of the cognitive health of seniors.

The Concept of Cognitive Vitality: Analysis and Clinical and Research Implications

“…In gerontology, cognitive ability and cognitive efficiency are used as synonymous terms of cognitive vitality [21,22]; whereas epidemiological studies sometimes use intellectual vitality [23].…”

“…In epidemiological studies, cognitive vitality is often referred to as maintenance of intellectual vitality [23]. This implies the preservation of an optimal level of cognitive performance and brain restructuring activities that have been associated with an individual's response to exposure to a stimulating social environment [23].…”

“…In epidemiological studies, cognitive vitality is often referred to as maintenance of intellectual vitality [23]. This implies the preservation of an optimal level of cognitive performance and brain restructuring activities that have been associated with an individual's response to exposure to a stimulating social environment [23]. Another definition from aging research done by [27] used cognitive health, a synonymous term of cognitive vitality [27] asserted that cognitive health is not merely the absence of disease, but rather a personal achievement and enrichment of multidimensional cognitive structures that allow an individual to sustain social connectedness, an ongoing sense of purpose, along with the ability to function independently, facilitate functional recovery from illness or injury, and to cope with residual functional deficits (p.13).…”

“…Internal precursors that have been consistently linked to cognitive vitality include genetic heritability, such as being born in a family of centenarians [23]. Other internal precursors include protecting the brain from insults or harms associated with smoking and heavy alcohol use as well as [4] properly manage medical comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia [25].…”

“…External precursors include living an engaged lifestyle involving rich novel experiences which stimulate complex cognitive processes, such as decision making, creativity, evaluation of ideas, and competition [28,39]. Additionally, cognitive vitality has been linked to external precursors, such as maintenance of social connectedness and social activities; healthy eating; and a higher level of education and professional occupation [23].…”