Mental and Physical Exercise as a Means to Reverse Cognitive Aging and Enhance Well-Being

Abstract

This chapter examines the current data on cognitive interventions, as well as physical fitness interventions, as means of improving cognitive functioning, including a review of the most recent behavioral and brain data. We present evidence that cognitive interventions involving complex video game training are especially promising. Special attention is devoted to the discussion of transfer of training from these interventions to important real-world activities performed every day. Recommendations and future directions are discussed.