Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Changes in intellectual functioning associated with normal aging.
Lori J Miller1, Allison Myers, Lena Prinzi
1Department of Psychology, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Cyprus, Turkey. lori.miller@emu.edu.tr
Summary
Cognitive aging shows declines in processing speed and nonverbal reasoning, but verbal abilities remain stable. Age-related IQ declines have lessened over time, paralleling increased life expectancy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Intelligence scores have historically declined with age in successive Wechsler Intelligence Scales revisions.
- Understanding age-related cognitive changes is crucial for healthy aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age-related cognitive changes using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, fourth edition (WAIS-IV).
- To compare these changes with historical WAIS standardizations from 1955, 1981, and 1997.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of age-related cognitive performance on the WAIS-IV.
- Comparative analysis with data from previous WAIS standardization samples.
- Examination of changes in processing speed, nonverbal reasoning, and verbal abilities.
Main Results:
- Pronounced age-related declines were observed in processing speed and nonverbal reasoning.
- Verbal abilities demonstrated relative stability across the lifespan.
- General intelligence (Full Scale IQ) decreased by approximately 1 SD by age 75 without age corrections.
- Age-related declines have become less pronounced since 1955, especially in processing speed.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive aging impacts specific abilities like processing speed and nonverbal reasoning more than verbal abilities.
- The reduction in age-related cognitive decline may be linked to increased life expectancy.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate these cognitive aging trends.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:29Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...