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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Declining of memory functions of normal elderly persons
M Yokota1, K Miyanaga, K Yonemura
1Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan. myokota@chs.nihon-u.ac.jp
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|May 10, 2000
Summary
Aging affects memory, with short-term/working memory declining more than long-term memory. Declining memory functions correlate with increased dementia risk in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Normal aging is associated with cognitive changes, particularly in memory functions.
- The Yokota memory test (YMT) assesses various memory domains.
- Understanding age-related memory decline is crucial for identifying early signs of cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging on different memory functions using the Yokota memory test (YMT).
- To explore the relationship between memory function decline and dementia risk indicators in the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted involving 552 subjects aged over 40.
- Factor analysis was used to determine the structure of the Yokota memory test (YMT).
- The Yokota memory test (YMT) was correlated with the Hasegawa dementia scale-revised (HDS-R).
Main Results:
- Factor analysis identified two factors for short-term/working memory and two for long-term memory within the YMT.
- Short-term and working memory showed a greater decline with age compared to long-term memory.
- Memory functions declined differentially with decreasing scores on the Hasegawa dementia scale-revised (HDS-R), indicating a link to progressive dementia risk.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly impacts memory, with short-term/working memory being more vulnerable than long-term memory.
- The Yokota memory test (YMT) effectively differentiates memory decline patterns in aging.
- Differential memory decline patterns are associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults.
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