Integrating Lifestyle Factor Science into Neuropsychological Practice: A National Academy of Neuropsychology Education Paper.

John J Randolph, C Munro Cullum, Laura H Lacritz, Mary K Colvin, Patricia Espe-Pfeifer, Kirstine R Carter, Peter A Arnett, Joshua Fox-Fuller, Paula A Aduen, Scott A Sperling

Journal: Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists 2024;39(2):121-139

PMID: 37873931

Full Text on Ovid Technologies, Inc. View on PubMed

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this paper is to review evidence and clinical implications related to lifestyle activities associated with promoting brain and cognitive health. Our review targets four key lifestyle factors: physical activity and exercise, social engagement, cognitively stimulating activity, and consuming Mediterranean-style diets.

METHOD

We conducted a critical review of the lifestyle factor literature in the four domains listed earlier. We contextualize this literature review by translating findings, when possible, into evidence-based recommendations to consider when providing neuropsychological services.

RESULTS

There is significant current evidence supporting the role of physical activity and exercise, social engagement, cognitively stimulating activity, and consuming Mediterranean-style diets on positive brain and cognitive health outcomes. While some null findings are present in all four areas reviewed, the weight of the evidence supports the notion that engaging in these activities may promote brain and cognitive functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical neuropsychologists can have confidence in recommending engagement in physical activity, social activity, and cognitively stimulating activity, and adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet to promote brain and cognitive health. We discuss limitations in existing lifestyle factor research and future directions to enhance the existing evidence base, including additional research with historically underrepresented groups and individuals with neurological conditions.

Address: Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.; Randolph Neuropsychology Associates, PLLC, Lebanon, NH, USA.; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.; Department of Psychiatry & Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA.; Psychology Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA.; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.; Center for Neurological Restoration, Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad078

Link outs

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Humans, Neuropsychology, Neuropsychological Tests, Life Style, Cognition, Educational Status