Neurocognitive Remediation Therapy: A Promising Approach to Enhance Cognition in Community Living Pilots with Depression and Anxiety

Nargiza Nuralieva,1,2 Ming Chang,1,2 Lei Huang,1,2 Sanjayan TS3 1School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710062, People’s Republic of China; 2Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710062, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Education, Goa University, Goa, IndiaCorrespondence: Ming Chang, Email changming@snnu.edu.cnAbstract: Depression and anxiety are pervasive mental health issues, affecting millions globally and often accompanied by cognitive impairments with significant repercussions in daily life and professions, particularly in safety-critical roles like community-living pilots. This exploration assesses Neurocognitive Remediation Therapy (NRT) as an innovative solution for addressing cognitive deficits linked to depression and anxiety in these pilots. Theoretical underpinnings of NRT draw from cognitive rehabilitation, neuropsychology, and neuroplasticity principles. Depression and anxiety often manifest as cognitive deficits, impacting attention, memory, executive functions, and decision-making. NRT interventions aim to address these impairments by enhancing cognitive flexibility, attentional control, and memory through training exercises and cognitive restructuring, empowering individuals to regain cognitive functionality and adaptability. Empirical evidence supports NRT’s efficacy in enhancing cognitive functioning, showing significant improvements in attention, memory, and executive functions. This review focuses on NRT’s potential to improve cognition in community pilots, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing cognitive deficits and enhancing job performance, even in high-pressure environments like aviation. The practical implications of NRT for pilots are profound. Tailored programs can address specific cognitive challenges, such as maintaining vigilance and decision-making under stress. Integrating NRT into training regimens enhances skill sets and mental resilience, contributing to safety and success. Additionally, NRT positively impacts emotional well-being, reducing stress and improving overall quality of life. In Conclusion, NRT emerges as a promising intervention for enhancing cognitive functioning in community-living pilots with depression and anxiety. Evidence suggests its potential to improve performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Further research and implementation are crucial to fully realize its benefits and ensure pilots’ safety and success.Keywords: community, cognitive, neurocognitive remediation therapy, depression