Preservation of the population cognitive potential as a social problem and national challenge

One of the fundamental social processes caused by the global demographic transition is the increase in the number of elderly people with signs of age-related changes and even chronic neurological diseases. Such diseases are social, as they have a profound effect on the cognitive functions and physical abilities of a significant part of the population, moreover, they have a long preclinical phase that requires attention from society. In this regard, there is a public demand for the implementation of preventive measures for high-risk groups and the population as a whole, which can reduce the burden of neurological diseases that pose a serious threat to the healthcare system, as well as sustainable economic and social development of all countries. It is necessary to take into account that even physiological aging is associated with memory impairment, loss of critical thinking, and a decrease in the speed of decision-making. In recent years the processes of computerization, informatization and digitalization have also had a huge impact on the cognitive health of the population. In this regard, brain aging and the fading of cognitive functions are no longer exclusively age-related and medical problems and are becoming global social challenges affecting all groups of the population. The current situation requires interdisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation of managers, doctors, and scientists to develop comprehensive strategies for preserving the cognitive health of the population, including assessment of the functional activity of the brain, early diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of deviations, which in turn requires sociological diagnostics and sociological support. In addition to launching state programs to support cognitive health, a serious task is to increase public awareness, motivation to maintain cognitive health, instill a culture of a healthy lifestyle, adherence to the principles of information hygiene, and adherence to sleep, work, and rest regimes necessary for cognitive longevity. In this article, the team of authors focused on updating the problem of cognitive aging in Russia and considered possible options for solving it using the example of successful practices in the world and their own developments.

Brain health, cognitive disorders, «digital dementia», «digital distraction», healthy longevity, maintenance of professional competencies, social health-preserving practices, social ideas about cognitive longevity