Introduction: Special issue on neuropsychology of aging.

Abstract

World population is aging rapidly. Normal aging is associated with a decline in cognitive abilities. We need to better understand the trajectory of cognitive changes during normal and impaired aging, as well as the lifestyle and psychosocial factors that may affect the slope at which cognitive decline may occur. This special issue on neuropsychology of aging aims at providing new data and insights into normal and impaired aging. The articles gathered in this special issue have implications for the clinical and theoretical aspects of the cognitive changes associated with aging. They provide valuable suggestions as to which tests are more sensitive and reliable to assess cognitive decline in the elderly. These studies also shed a new light on the factors that may help slow down the cognitive changes associated with aging and on the cognitive profile of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Finally, 2 studies propose effective cognitive training activities to prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging.