Abstract
Human cognition is supported by diverse brain networks that undergo change throughout adulthood and can be impacted by brain disease. This review summarises some of the significant progress made by cognitive neuroscientists in elucidating the impact of adult aging and age-related brain diseases on these complex cognitive networks, which are now known to also be affected by lifestyle choices. In combination with neurological patient research, neuroimaging tools such as near-infrared spectroscopy have enabled cognitive neuroscientists to characterise the dynamic nature of cognitive brain networks and identify potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive functioning. Meanwhile research into the cognitive benefits of some lifestyle choices has started to reveal some more global means through which people can improve their cognitive functioning, and has also pointed towards some potentially fruitful avenues for combination therapies. In consideration of functional reorganisation occurring with brain aging and disease, here it is proposed that targeting newly recruited brain regions that act under natural circumstances in a compensatory manner to support better functioning in the face of deterioration, thus ameliorating cognitive loss, may enable scientists to tap into and boost naturally occurring mechanisms. Moreover, pairing such a targeted intervention with a global intervention may serve to magnify benefits.