AI Summary
Cognitive adaptability is crucial for humans to switch problem-solving strategies when circumstances change. However, when this ability is diminished due to factors like aging or trauma, individuals struggle to adapt and remain stuck in previous thinking patterns.
The ability to shift from one type of cognitive problem-solving strategy to another when the circumstances change, called cognitive adaptability or flexibility, is an essential function for humans. When this ability is diminished—whether by aging, disease, trauma, or environmental exposure—mental behavior becomes more inflexible and a person has difficulty adapting to new cognitive demands and remains stuck in the previous way of thinking.