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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
The aging brain: the cognitive reserve hypothesis and hominid evolution
John S Allen1, Joel Bruss, Hanna Damasio
1Department of Neurology, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavioral Neurology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. jsallen38@aol.com
Summary
Humans have long lifespans and large brains, with cognitive function and brain volume well-maintained in healthy aging. This supports theories of extended post-reproductive life and intergenerational support in human evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Neuroscience
- Human life history
Background:
- Humans exhibit exceptionally long lifespans and large brains compared to other primates.
- Theories like the grandmother hypothesis suggest selection for extended lifespan and menopause in hominid evolution.
- Survival of older individuals, crucial for inclusive fitness, necessitates maintained cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between brain aging, cognitive function, and human life history evolution.
- To investigate factors contributing to healthy brain aging and extended lifespan.
- To connect cognitive reserve and hominid evolutionary selection pressures.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent neuroimaging research on human brain aging.
- Analysis of cognitive function patterns in aging individuals.
- Examination of evolutionary theories on human life history stages.
Main Results:
- Healthy aging shows well-maintained human brain volume (gray and white matter) until at least 60 years of age.
- Cognitive performance exhibits only nonsignificant declines in healthy aging up to this age.
- Brain volume and cognitive maintenance support the existence of a significant post-reproductive life stage.
Conclusions:
- The cognitive reserve hypothesis suggests brain volume and cognitive ability promote healthy aging and reduce dementia risk.
- Selection for increased brain size and cognitive ability in hominid evolution may have driven selection for increased lifespan.
- Intergenerational social support networks likely played a role in the evolution of human lifespan and cognitive maintenance.
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