Neslihan KARATAĞ
Abstract
The rapid global increase in the 65+ population has positioned gerotourism as a strategically important field at the intersection of health and tourism. Within this context, cognitive health has emerged as a critical component shaping the travel motivations, risk perceptions, and service expectations of older adults. This review synthesizes current evidence on Alzheimer’s and dementia risk reduction practices and examines how these scientifically grounded interventions are being incorporated into geriatric check-up tourism. Findings indicate that multidimensional lifestyle interventions—including Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, cognitive rehabilitation, social engagement, stress management, and mindfulness—provide measurable benefits in delaying cognitive decline and reducing modifiable dementia risk factors. Simultaneously, advancements in diagnostic technologies such as PET/MR imaging, liquid biopsy, and AI-driven cognitive assessment tools have expanded the scope and attractiveness of geriatric check-up packages offered by tourism destinations. The analysis highlights that cognitive health programs enhance tourist satisfaction, perceived health benefits, and destination trust, thereby strengthening loyalty among senior travelers. Furthermore, geriatric check-up tourism offers destinations significant economic advantages while encouraging preventive health behaviors among older adults. Overall, the review underscores the rising significance of cognitive health in gerotourism and argues that destinations should prioritize brain-health-oriented service models, enhance age-friendly infrastructure, and promote integrated neurological screening and wellness programs. Future research should further explore cross-national comparisons, technological innovations, and qualitative insights into senior tourist behavior to advance both theoretical and practical knowledge in this emerging field.
Keywords: Gerotourism, Cognitive Health, Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention, Dementia Risk Reduction, Geriatric Check-up Tourism, Preventive Health Tourism
JEL Codes: L83, I11, J14, I12, O33
How to Cite: Karatağ, N. (2025). Cognitive Health in Gerotourism: A Review of Alzheimer/Dementia Prevention and Geriatric Check-Up Tourism. Health Tourism Journal, 1(2), 50-77.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18099056
