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We tested the longitudinal associations between life space mobility (LSM) at baseline and cognitive performance in three domains (memory, reasoning, and speed of processing) over time. Our analytic sample includes 2,690 older adults (mean age = 73.0, 75.9% female) participating in the ACTIVE Study. We used multiple linear mixed-effects models to evaluate whether LSM, measured using the Life Space Questionnaire, at baseline was longitudinally associated with scores on eight cognitive tests and three composite scores across 10 years. In unadjusted models, there were significant main effects of baseline LSM on memory and reasoning domains, and one speed of processing test (beta: 0.019 to 0.055, p < 0.05). All effects were non-significant in adjusted models. Over time, baseline LSM was associated with one memory test score in adjusted models. Greater LSM at baseline is associated with marginally higher cognitive performance but does not appear to affect the rate of cognitive change at a clinically significant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of social technology use on health outcomes through loneliness and relationship quality among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 Project, we conducted a structural equation model analysis to assess the effects of social technology use on loneliness, relationship quality, and physical and cognitive health outcomes, with a validated index construct of social technology use. Our findings revealed that more frequent social technology use was significantly associated with younger age, being male, being of White race/ethnicity, and living with a spouse/partner. Higher levels of social technology use and positive relationship quality were related to lower feelings of loneliness, respectively. Loneliness mediated the impact of social technology use on physical and cognitive health outcomes. These results underscore the importance of adopting social technology to enhance the psychological well-being of vulnerable older adults, especially during health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsClinical ImplicationsEvidence for the association between purpose in life and cognitive health is primarily from North American and European samples. This study evaluates this association in a large sample from Malaysia, an upper-middle-income country in Southeast Asia.Participants (N = 5,579) from the Malaysian Ageing and Retirement Study reported on their purpose in life and subjective memory and were administered tasks that measured episodic memory, verbal fluency, and overall cognitive function.Purpose was associated with better subjective memory (β=.13), episodic memory (β=.06), verbal fluency (β=.12), and overall cognitive function (β=.07) (ps < .001). The associations were similar across sex and retirement status; purpose was more strongly related to subjective memory and overall cognitive function among older participants. Behavioral/social factors accounted for up to one-third of the associations, but all associations remained statistically significant.The positive association between purpose and cognition generalizes to a middle-income country in Southeast Asia. Similar to Western samples, behavioral and social factors accounted for part but not all the association. More research is needed in lower- and other middle-income countries to fully evaluate generalizability.Purpose may help support healthier cognitive aging across diverse populations and be a useful target to improve cognitive aging outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As populations age, leveraging community resources to reduce dementia risk is increasingly vital for brain health. Using community-based participatory research methods, we co-developed and tested a pilot program with older adults in Metro Vancouver, Canada, to better understand and address brain health needs in community settings. Over 12 focus groups, older adults provided input which led to a place-based wellness model 'Connectedness, feeling At home, and joyful Play' (CAP). The CAP model was incorporated into an 8-week feasibility study, testing various components of a multi-domain realist controlled trial (n = 78). Older adults were recommended various existing activities in the community based on their CAP profiles. A 'Finding Meaning in Aging' mindful discussion program was added in response to older adults' feedback on current gaps. Path analysis of preliminary data suggests that total attendance (β =.196, p =.070) improved brain health at week 8 by increasing a sense of playfulness at week 4 (β =.284, p =.002). Mindfulness (β =.215, p =.046) improved brain health by increasing a sense of at-homeness (β =.227, p =.025). Both pre- and post-implementation feedback from older adults centred the importance of friendship in late life, specifically to address late-life losses. The community-generated CAP model shows promise for place-based cognitive health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMethodResultsConclusionLoneliness is associated with maladaptive cognitions, yet little is known about the association between loneliness and intrusive thinking during older adulthood. Links between loneliness and intrusive thoughts may be particularly strong among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), who may have greater difficulty regulating emotion and intrusive thoughts. In contrast, having close relationships (e.g. being married) may serve as a protective factor as marital status is associated with better overall well-being.Participants were 316 older adults (recruited from the Bronx, NY, as part of a larger study) without dementia at study intake (40% Black; 13% Hispanic, Mage = 77.45 years, 67% women) who completed ecological momentary assessments five times daily for 14 consecutive days (13,957 EMAs total). Multilevel modeling was used to examine the association between momentary loneliness and intrusive thoughts and whether MCI and marital status interacted to moderate this association.There was a significant three-way interaction (β = −0.17, p < 0.05), such that lagged momentary loneliness was positively associated with intrusive thoughts (3–4 h later) for those with MCI who were not married.Findings suggest that among older adults with MCI, being married may be a protective factor and being unmarried may be a risk factor for experiencing loneliness and subsequent intrusive thoughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obejctives: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether genetic risk factors may moderate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and AD incidence. Mehtods: The sample was drawn from the HELIAD study, a longitudinal study with a follow-up interval of 3 years. In total 537 older adults without dementia or AD at baseline were included. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed at baseline and AD diagnosis was determined at both visits. A Polygenic Index for late onset AD (PGI-AD) was constructed. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, education, baseline Global cognition score and APOE e-4 genotype were employed to evaluate the association between PGI-AD and Mediterranean diet with AD incidence. Next, we examined the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and AD risk over time across participants stratified by low and high PGI-AD. Results: Twenty-eight participants developed AD at follow-up. In fully adjusted models both the PGI-AD and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with AD risk (p < 0.05 for both). In the low PGI-AD group, those with a low adherence had a 10-fold higher risk of developing AD per year of follow-up, than did the participants with a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.011), whereas no such association was found for participants in the high PGI-AD group. Discussion: The association of Mediterranean diet with AD risk is more prominent in the group of older adults with a low polygenic risk for developing AD. Our findings suggest that genetic risk factors should be taken into account when planning interventions aiming to improve cognitive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether social support, pension benefits, and medical insurance coverage are related to cognitive function and decline among older rural Chinese adults and whether depressive symptoms represented a pathway linking these factors with cognitive function. Data are taken from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 5,135). Cognitive function is assessed with episodic memory and depressive symptoms are assessed with the 10-item CESD Scale. Social support (intergenerational financial transfers, weekly contact with children, perceived availability of future support, and living arrangements), pension benefits, and medical insurance coverage are self-reported measures. Multilevel linear regression models are employed. Intergenerational financial transfers, perceived availability of future support, and pension income are associated with higher levels of cognitive function. Living with others, perceived availability of future support, medical insurance coverage, and pension income are associated with a slower risk of cognitive decline. Depressive symptoms mediated the association between perceived availability of future support, living with others, pension income and level of cognitive function and the link between perceived availability of future support, pension income, and cognitive decline. The findings suggested these modifiable factors should be taken into account when screening older adults for possible cognitive impairment and decline. Early interventions may also be helpful by expanding social resources and reducing psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that promoting and maintaining brain health for older adults is the greatest challenges facing the public health community in the United States. Topics include considered this will require the public health community to take steps to reduce disparities in brain health across disproportionately impacted communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled growing concerns about the long-term impacts on outcomes in older adults including social isolation and declines in cognitive health. Prior to the pandemic, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released a nationwide request for information to understand how community-based organizations monitor changes in cognitive status for homebound older adults. This Perspective describes strategies reported by community-based organizations to monitor cognitive status in homebound older adults and notes the potential for technology to mitigate the risk of social isolation and delays in observing cognitive decline, considerations that are especially relevant during COVID-19 amid social distancing requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support is associated prospectively with cognitive decline and dementia among the elderly; however, little is known about the impact of social support on healthy neurological aging. The current study investigates whether perceived social support has an influence on neurological health among a large sample of healthy postmenopausal women. Social support and neuropsychological outcomes were measured annually for six years through the Women's Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging. In postmenopausal women, higher perceived social support was associated with significantly better overall neuropsychological functioning at baseline, especially in the domains of short-delay figural memory, short-delay verbal memory, and semantic fluency. No significant associations were found between social support and longitudinal changes in neuropsychological function over a median follow-up period of six years. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between social support and regional brain volumes. These findings suggest that social support is related to performance in a subset of neuropsychological domains and contributes to the existing literature that points to the importance of social support as a modifiable lifestyle factor that has the potential to help protect against the decline of cognitive aging, specifically among older adult women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the associations between living alone and psychological and cognitive health and explores the moderating effects of age, gender, marital status, social engagement and family income among middle-aged and older adults in China. Data is drawn from a longitudinal sample of 9,469 participants in the 2010 and 2014 waves of the China Family Panel Study (CFPS). Cognitive health is captured by scores on word and math tests. Psychological health is measured by depressive symptoms. The results show that living alone has no health benefits in this sample of middle-aged and older Chinese, though it seems to be injurious for psychological health among the unmarried and detrimental to cognitive health for men. Study implications are discussed, specifically the need for more research into the mediating and moderating effects of the link between living alone and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study examined the associations between immigration-related factors and objective and subjective cognitive status with older Korean Americans' concern about developing Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It was hypothesized that (1) AD concern would be associated with immigration-related factors and (2) self-rated cognitive status would mediate the relationship between cognitive performance (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores) and concern about AD. Method: Using data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (n = 2061, mean age = 73.2; 66.8% female), the direct and indirect effect models were tested. Results: Korean American immigrants with a higher level of acculturation had better cognitive performance, more positive self-ratings of cognitive status, and a lower level of concern about AD. Both poor cognitive performance and negative self-ratings of cognitive status were associated with increased concern about AD. Supporting the mediation hypothesis, the indirect effect of cognitive performance on AD concern through self-rated cognitive status was significant (bias corrected 95% confidence interval for the indirect effect = −.012, −.003). Conclusion: The mediation model not only helps us better understand the psychological mechanisms that underlie the link between cognitive status and AD concern but also highlights the potential importance of subjective perceptions about cognitive status as an avenue for interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Subjective cognitive complaints may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease pathology and related dementias that can be detectable prior to objective, performance-based decline. Negative and positive affective states (NA and PA, respectively) are established psychosocial correlates of cognition in older adulthood and have demonstrated capacity for meaningful within-person fluctuations based on person-environment interactions, age, and measurement approach. Method: We utilized data from a 100-day, microlongitudinal study of 105 community-dwelling older adults (Mage = 63.19, SD = 7.80, Range = 52–88) to explore within- and between-person associations between high and low arousal NA and PA, and memory- and attention-related complaints. Results: For memory-related complaints, those who reported experiencing greater NA-high arousal had increased forgetfulness (OR = 2.23, 95%CI: 1.11–4.49, p <.05). Within persons, reporting more NA-high arousal than usual was associated with increased forgetfulness (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.004–1.018, p <.01). For attention-related complaints, those who reported experiencing greater NA-low arousal had increased trouble staying focused (OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.17–4.66, p <.05). Within persons, reporting more NA-low arousal (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.03, p <.001) and less PA-high arousal (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.95–0.97, p <.001) than usual was associated with increased trouble staying focused. Additionally, reporting more PA-low arousal than usual was associated with decreased trouble staying focused among those with higher levels of conscientiousness (OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.57–0.92, p <.01). Conclusion: Results from this study offer a means to maximize resource allocation and personalized cognitive health efforts by pinpointing for whom and on which days boosting PA and/or reducing NA may both serve as pathways to benefit daily subjective cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Art-based interventions have shown promise in improving quality of life and emotional wellbeing among older adults, but few have focused on improving cognition and reducing dementia risk. The current mixed methods pilot study investigated whether healthy older adults, who participated in a 12-week art-based cognitive health intervention, driven by a Conceptualist art approach, demonstrated improvements in their cognitive functioning and psychosocial wellbeing. Participants were cognitively normal, community-dwelling older adults who completed pre and post cognitive and psychosocial assessments, and qualitative interviews post-intervention. Results revealed statistically significant improvements in executive function, cognitive flexibility (set-switching), and life satisfaction. Qualitative exploration of older adults' perceived outcomes from the intervention revealed that they experienced 'Personal Growth and Learning' from the skills and knowledge gained. Specifically, they reported becoming more open minded and critically engaged, being challenged in positive ways, and gaining a better understanding of cognitive health. Participants also reported that the course material was intellectually stimulating and personally relevant. Connections between quantitative and qualitative findings, and how they should guide future interventions, are discussed. This study supports the need to further explore conceptual art for its associations to dementia risk and wellbeing for older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Public health concerns are emerging surrounding huperzine A commonly found in dietary supplements. We sought to determine the actual content of products claiming to contain huperzine A and whether the ingredients on the supplement facts labels matched the analyses. Methods: We identified and analyzed 22 dietary supplement products listing huperzine A on product labels. We found these products were listed in Natural Medicines and Dietary Supplement Databases and being queried by Military Service Members for enhanced mental focus, alertness and energy. Analyses were conducted by using Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Results: Sixteen (73%) products had at least one ingredient claimed on the supplement facts label not detected through analysis. Compounds not reported on the label were detected in 16 (73%) products analyzed. Nine products (41%) listed ingredients not meeting the regulations for being a dietary supplement ingredient according to the FDA. Ingredients of most concern detected include stimulants: demelverine, 1,5-dimethylhexylamine, 1,3-dimethylhexylamine, N-phenethyl dimethylamine, halostachine, higenamine, noopept, β-PEA, vinpocetine, sulbutiamine; and hordenine, currently on the FDA advisory list. Quantitative analysis showed the presence of huperzine A in the range from detected under the limits of quantification (DUL) to 267.1 µg/serving. Only two supplements showed huperzine A content within 10% of the declared amount. Conclusions: In a study of dietary supplements claiming to contain huperzine A, we found products that had at least one ingredient claimed on the supplement facts label not detected through analysis. Moreover, some ingredients not on the label could be dangerous and likely do not meet the definition of a dietary supplement ingredient according to the FDA. Quantitative analysis of huperzine A showed the amount detected was not in line with what appeared on the product label. Consumers should be aware of deceptive label claims and warned not to purchase products containing potentially dangerous ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this International Menopause Society White Paper on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is to provide the latest information regarding this distressing condition. The impact of POI has far-reaching consequences due to its impact on general, psychological, and sexual quality of life, fertility prospects, and long-term bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. Progress in fully understanding the etiology, diagnosis, and optimal management options has been slow thus far due to the complexity of the condition and fragmented research. Recent advances in epidemiological and genetic research have improved our understanding of this condition and randomized prospective trials are being planned to determine the intervention strategies, which will optimize quality of life and long-term well-being. The International Menopause Society has commissioned a number of experts at the forefront of their specialty to define the state of the art in the understanding of this condition, to advise on practical management strategies, and to propose future research strategies. It is hoped that a global task force will subsequently be convened in order to formulate a consensus statement across key societies, to accelerate date collection and analysis of a global POI registry, and to facilitate progress in the key defined areas of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the benefits of using It's Never Too Late [iN2L] with the residents at Mercy Center. Over 10-weeks, 30 study participants were consented and attended three workshops engaging with iN2L. Paired t-tests were used to detect significant differences. An increase in residents' sense of well-being on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWS) and additional questions indicating levels of distress and contentment. Significant improvements were noted for the WEMWS Scale and a decreased level of distress. iN2L is a promising technology that may be used with residents in long-term care facilities, regardless of cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing cognitive health literature focuses predominately on understanding the pathology and clinical treatment of older adults with dementia rather than cognitive health promotion and preventative activities. In addition, most of the work in the area remains urban-centric with little focus on cognitive health in rural communities. This study examined rural seniors' perspectives of activities that they identified as supporting their cognitive health. Using community-based research and an ethnographic methodology, participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 older adults in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. Participants discussed a variety of activities that they viewed as supporting their cognitive health. In particular, cognitive health promotion was identified as being strongly linked to keeping one's brain active, thinking positively, mingling with others, and managing daily affairs. This study's findings suggest that there is a need to move beyond focusing solely on clinical interventions to including older adults' perspectives of preventative activities and cognitive health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables has been found to contribute to physical health and physical functioning. However, health is not limited to the absence of physical diseases but also encompasses mental health and cognition. Thus, we wanted to examine how the consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with overall health, including mental health and cognitive health of older European adults. Design: We used multilevel regression analysis (participants nested within countries) to examine the effects of nutrition on overall health. Participants were asked in 2011 about their health behaviour including nutritional habits. Several health outcomes were measured longitudinally in 2013: Self-rated health, grip strength, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), activities of daily living (ADL), mobility, depression, quality of life, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Setting: We used the 2011 and 2013 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), a multi-national population survey of older adults. Subjects:N = 22,635 older adults were sampled from 11 European countries. Results: Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with improved health outcomes, including cognitive and mental health. Conclusions: Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables contributes to slower disablement processes and might be an easily implementable way to improve the overall health of older adults. Future studies should examine the cross-national differences in the observed effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition associated with a wide variety of physical, cognitive, and mood-related symptoms. While disease-modifying treatment has been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of MS symptom relapses, engagement in certain daily activities holds promise as an adjunctive treatment to better manage disease sequelae. The present study sought to determine whether healthy nutritional choices, exercise, and social/intellectual engagement impacts functioning in individuals with MS. Two hundred and forty-eight (248) MS participants completed a questionnaire assessing factors related to cognitive health (Cognitive Health Questionnaire; CHQ). They also endorsed measures assessing disease symptoms and management, mood, and well-being/quality of life. A measure of information processing speed was administered to a subset of participants. Findings indicated that a previously derived CHQ factor comprised of healthy nutritional habits and exercise items was associated with less fatigue, better sleep, reduced pain, and improved mood and disease management. A factor with items assessing social and intellectual engagement correlated with mood, disease management, and well-being. Endorsement of items in both CHQ factors was associated with better information processing speed. Subsequent regression analyses indicated that education and mood were most predictive of nutritional habits and exercise, while MS self-efficacy was particularly associated with engagement in social and intellectual activities. In sum, these findings suggest that self-reported engagement in healthy lifestyle habits has far-reaching effects on multiple aspects of daily living and disease management in MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By virtue of their extensive knowledge base and specialized training in brain-behavior relationships, neuropsychologists are especially poised to execute a unique broad-based approach to overall cognitive wellness and should be viewed as primary care providers of cognitive health. This article will describe a novel comprehensive cognitive wellness service delivery model including cognitive health, anti-aging, lifelong wellness, and longevity-oriented practices. These practice areas include brain-based cognitive wellness, emotional and spiritually centric exploration, and related multimodality health interventions. As experts in mind-body connections, neuropsychologists can provide a variety of evidence-based treatment options, empowering patients with a sense of value and purpose. Multiple areas of clinical therapy skill-based learning, tailor-made to fit individual needs, will be discussed including: brain stimulating activities, restorative techniques, automatic negative thoughts and maladaptive thinking reduction, inflammation and pain management techniques, nutrition and culinary focused cognitive wellness, spirituality based practices and mindfulness, movement and exercise, alternative/complimentary therapies, relationship restoration/social engagement, and trauma healing/meaning. Cognitive health rests upon the foundation of counteracting mind-body connection disruptions from multiple etiologies including inflammation, chronic stress, metabolic issues, cardiac conditions, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and allergy spectrum disorders. Superimposed on these issues are lifestyle patterns and negative health behaviors that develop as ill-fated compensatory mechanisms used to cope with life stressors and aging. The brain and body are electrical systems that can "short circuit." The therapy practices inherent in the proposed cognitive wellness service delivery model can provide preventative insulation and circuit breaking against the shock of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive psychology has influenced multiple subfields within psychology and areas outside of psychology. While positive psychology's focus on positive mental health and character strengths did not appear to meaningfully impact neuropsychology in its earlier stages, more recent indications suggest that the neuropsychological literature, and perhaps the field as a whole, has begun to embrace related research and practice applications. In this context, positive neuropsychology has emerged as a neuropsychological orientation focused on the study and practice of promoting cognitive health. The present review discusses the origins of positive neuropsychology and elaborates on its six key evidence-based domains: compensatory strategy use, activity engagement, prevention of cognitive impairment, public education, exceptional cognition, and positive cognitive outcomes in neuropsychiatric populations. This broad perspective on cognitive wellness can easily be embraced by both clinicians and researchers and offers multiple directions for future growth. Ultimately, consideration of various methods to promote cognitive health can inform our understanding of optimal brain function, maximize functioning in individuals with cognitive limitations, and enhance quality of life among populations served by neuropsychologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Executive dysfunction in college students who have had an acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) was investigated. The cognitive, behavioral, and metacognitive effects on college students who endorsed experiencing a brain injury were specifically explored. Participants: Participants were 121 college students who endorsed a mild TBI, and 121 college students with no history of a TBI were matched on sex and ethnicity to examine potential differences between groups. Methods: Participants completed the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). Results: A Rasch analysis indicated that the TBI group had significantly higher total scores on the DEX than the control group. Moreover, when compared with the control group, the students with a TBI had higher scores on all 3 subcomponents of the DEX. Conclusion: These findings suggest that students who endorse brain injuries may experience more difficulty with specific facets of college. Thus, the importance of academic and personal resources available for students with a TBI is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study examines older adults’ subjective views on the types and purposes of social activities. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 20 older adults, with low (n= 10) and high (n= 10) memory performance. We used grounded theory methods to analyze the narrative data. Four types of social activities—altruism, creativity, game, and motion—were identified. The purpose of social activities included enjoyment, relaxation, stimulation, and belongingness. Those in the low memory group seemed to face more barriers to participation. Different types of social activities may be important for cognitive health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reports findings from a qualitative study of promotional websites for three prominent ‘brain games’ – that is, consumer technologies designed to train and improve the brain through challenging cognitive exercises. The study was specifically designed to critically examine how brain training is promoted as a viable endeavour and how brain games are made to intervene in cognitive functioning. The analysis of online promotion revealed three overlapping themes: (1) the deployment of expertise in game marketing to make brain training intelligible; (2) the deployment of risk metrics in game software to ‘screen and intervene’ in cognitive health; and (3) the deployment of ‘third party’ sources to corroborate brain training’s value, especially for older adults. These findings are used as a basis to contend that brain training technologies are simultaneously enabling and constraining. Against the historical practice of seeing ageing and cognitive ‘decline’ as biopolitical threats, brain games imagine seniors as empowered and capable of sustaining their identity work into retirement. At the same time, these products invoke common anxieties surrounding later life and, in keeping with the politics of neoliberalism, exacerbate the pressure on older persons to demonstrate an obvious ‘will to health’ through ongoing consumerism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]