Metacognition, compensation and neuropsychological function disturbances with older adults.

The aim of neuropsychological assessment with elderly people is not only to uncover cognitive dysfunctions, but also to predict the impact of these dysfunctions on daily living. "Compensation in gerontology refers to the fact that the age-related deterioration of functions, often observed in labotory, does not affect performance in everyday activities as much as one would expect. A correct self-perception of one's own cognitive problems is a necessary precondition for using compensation strategies and adaptive behavior. In this research, the plasticity of the aging cognitive system to organize itself into new adaptive behavior will be studied. The Baltes "selective optimization with compensation" model will serve as theoretical background. This model states that successful aging is a function of the interplay between selection, optimization and compensation in the face of age-associated losses in mental and physical reserves. The aim of the study is to elaborate a holstic multidimensional concept in order to gain more insight in the relationship between neuropsychological assessment and daily functioning through metacognition, selection, optimization and compensation as well as in the psychological and medical factors influencing this relationship. The research results will prove their utility as complement to classical neuropsychological assessment, contributing to a better interpretation and raised predictive value of test results, resulting in an enhanced quality of life and safety for elderly people.