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. 1997 Oct;167(4):269–275.

Memory, thinking, and aging. What we know about what we know.

L Teri 1, S M McCurry 1, R G Logsdon 1
PMCID: PMC1304543  PMID: 9348759

Abstract

Cognition is the foundation that underlies all daily activities, from the most basic to the most complex. Successful aging depends, in large part, on maintaining a level of cognitive ability that allows a person to interact effectively and appropriately with the environment. In the following article we provide an overview of the effects of aging on cognition; discuss physical, social, and psychological factors that have been shown to influence cognition in old age; and review current literature on interventions that may optimize successful cognitive aging. We conclude with a discussion of abnormal cognitive aging and review current research on risk factors and treatments of Alzheimer's disease and other dementing illnesses.

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Selected References

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