Cognitive reserve theories posit that subtle cognitive declines occur as a function of normal aging as well as a host of physiological, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Such cognitive declines can impair everyday functioning and reduce quality of life in older adults. Fortunately, cognitive remediation interventions continue to be developed, refined, and validated in multiple populations and contexts. Such cognitive remediation interventions promote neuroplasticity and increase cognitive reserve, which facilitate successful cognitive aging. With the efficacy of such cognitive remediation interventions, improvement in specific cognitive abilities as well as everyday functioning can occur, resulting in better adaptation to age-related changes. Underlying principles of cognitive remediation interventions are stated. Concomitantly, several cognitive remediation interventions are elucidated; limitations and strengths are provided for practical implementation of such techniques. Finally, implications for continued research in this area are suggested. © 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
