Positive Cognitive Outcomes

Abstract

Neuropsychological work has historically focused on evaluating and managing cognitive and psychosocial effects of brain damage in clinical and research settings. However, some individuals with neuropsychiatric disease or injury have positive cognitive and general outcomes. For example, some individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) do not experience cognitive burden, and some individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) do not progress to dementia. In the present chapter, we consider psychosocial factors associated with positive outcomes. We initially provide a targeted review of modifiable lifestyle factors associated with promotion of cognitive health and quality of life. We then consider the extant literature on successful cognitive aging; positive outcomes in MCI, MS, and stroke; neuroimaging correlates of possible compensatory brain mechanisms; and personality correlates of positive outcomes. We conclude our chapter with a discussion of implications of this burgeoning area for clinical service and future research.