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

Abstract

Age-related cognitive decline poses significant individual and societal economic burdens. Substantial research has demonstrated that enhancing cognitive vitality can delay age-related cognitive decline. However, scholarship has inconstantly used cognitive vitality and provided far less information about its traits and pragmatic indicators. The present scholarly work analyzed the concept of cognitive vitality using the [1] framework to propose clear definitions, defining attributes, antecedents, and empirical references of this concept. In the end, a model explaining mechanisms underpinning the concept and a new definition was constructed.The new definition proposes that cognitive vitality can be referred as an individual's ability to successfully use their energy to adapt to cognitive changes and maintain an optimum level of cognitive functioning, life satisfaction, and independent living. The definition and subsequent model will make cognitive vitality more unified, meaningful in a global sense, and expand the scope of concept use while adding depth and new variables to the term. Furthermore, this paper adds to existing literature insights that are valuable for interpreting clinical data and guiding further studies related to the concept.