Brain Stimulation for Cognitive Enhancement in the Older Person: State of the Art and Future Directions

Advances in medicine and healthcare and better education about healthy living have led to a greater proportion of people living healthily into older age. As the global population ages, it will become necessary to address the societal implications of this demographic change. Successful treatment of physical illnesses means that people are more likely to experience cognitive decline, either naturally through the ageing process or through the onset of dementia and related disorders. This will shift the healthcare burden from physical to cognitive care. In addition, healthy, active people are likely to remain in work, meaning that cognitive performance in the healthy elderly will require monitoring and support. This review will consider the possible role of brain stimulation technology in preserving or enhancing cognitive health in the healthy ageing population, and will discuss the current state of scientific research and the gaps in our knowledge around stimulating the brain of the older person