Activity: Publication Peer-Review and Editorial Work › Journal or guest editorship
Considerable variability is observed in brain health outcomes in later life, and a key question for research in cognitive aging is to understand the factors that contribute to this variability. A range of risk and protective lifestyle factors have been identified that may be associated with brain health, and may contribute to the minimization of cognitive decline and preservation of cognitive function across the lifespan. Concepts such as cognitive reserve, brain reserve, and resilience have been proposed and provide potential frameworks to explain associations between modifiable lifestyle factors and cognitive function. Increasingly, the literature has emphasized the importance of a lifespan, ‘cradle to grave’ approach to brain health, which takes individual, familial, societal, and socio-economic contexts into account. Additionally, as models of brain/cognitive reserve were developed based on evidence gathered from developed countries, little is known about underpinnings of such reserve in underrepresented populations. Global increases in life expectancy present a challenge due to the high prevalence of cognitive decline with advancing age. With demographic aging therefore, the translation of research findings into a better understanding of protective or promotive factors for brain health is of paramount importance. The research community should continue to work towards identifying modifiable lifestyle factors that may contribute to brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as considering the influence that socio-economic factors may have on these relationships This Research Topic will address current advances in literature related to the promotion of brain health across the lifespan and will consider how this research might be translated into practical recommendations, development of evidence-based interventions and policies to improve brain health across the population. This Research Topic will focus on the promotion of brain health across the lifespan, and for all individuals including those experiencing cognitive decline or with a neurodegenerative condition. Submissions should emphasize practical recommendations for practitioners, and anyone interested in keeping their brain healthy. We welcome submissions that investigate determinants or correlates of brain health, improving cognitive function, cognitive decline, dementia, or cognitive reserve/brain reserve in developed or developing countries. Papers may focus on (but are not limited to): modifiable risk and protective factors for brain health; socio-economic factors; loneliness; social engagement; cognitive engagement, exercise; cognitive training; creativity; mindfulness; assessing cognitive function; successful aging; intervention studies; translation of existing evidence related to brain health into clinical recommendations or practice; attitudes and knowledge related to brain health among the general public.