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Neuroticism does not affect cognitive functioning in later life
Marko Jelicic1, Hans Bosma, Rudolf W H M Ponds
1Maastricht Brain and Behaviour Institute, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands. m.jelicic@psychology.unimaas.nl
Experimental Aging Research
|May 15, 2003
Summary
Neuroticism did not impact cognitive performance or decline in older adults. This study found no association between neuroticism and cognitive function over three years, contrasting previous research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Previous research suggested a link between neuroticism and poorer cognitive performance in the elderly.
- The Maastricht Aging Study provided data to further investigate this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between neuroticism and cognitive performance in older adults.
- To determine if neuroticism predicts cognitive decline over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized both cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the Maastricht Aging Study.
- Analyzed the relationship between neuroticism scores and cognitive assessments.
- Tracked cognitive changes over a 3-year period.
Main Results:
- Neuroticism was not associated with current cognitive performance.
- No significant link was found between neuroticism and cognitive decline over 3 years.
- Findings contrast with earlier cross-sectional research.
Conclusions:
- Neuroticism does not appear to be a predictor of cognitive performance or decline in this cohort.
- Further research may be needed to fully understand the complex interplay between personality traits and cognitive aging.