Disclosed herein are a method for improving cognition in an individual having findings consistent with a cognitive impairment, and a method of enhancing cognition in an individual. The methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of (R)-3-(6-p-tolyl-pyridin-3-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane or a metabolite or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the individual.