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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach

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Published on: February 14, 2014

Impoverished environment, cognition, aging and dementia.

Karin M Volkers¹, Erik J A Scherder

¹Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. k.volkers@psy.vu.nl

Reviews in the Neurosciences

|May 20, 2011

Summary

An impoverished environment negatively impacts cognitive function in both animals and humans. Older individuals, particularly those in institutions, experience worse cognitive outcomes due to reduced physical and social activity.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Neuroscience
Gerontology
Animal Behavior

Background:

Cognitive performance differs between enriched and impoverished environments in animals and humans.
The precise cause of this difference (environmental deprivation vs. enrichment) remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the impact of impoverished environments on cognition in animal models.
To examine the effects of environmental impoverishment on cognitive function in community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults.

Main Methods:

Literature review of animal experimental studies on environmental enrichment/impoverishment and cognition.
Analysis of human studies investigating cognitive function in relation to physical and social activity levels in older adults, including institutionalized populations.

Main Results:

Older rats exhibit greater cognitive deficits in impoverished environments compared to younger rats.
Sedentary and socially isolated humans show poorer cognitive function and accelerated decline.
Institutionalization exacerbates cognitive decline, linked to reduced activity and passive behavior.

Conclusions:

Impoverished environments, characterized by lack of physical and social activity, negatively affect cognitive functioning.
Older adults, especially those institutionalized, are particularly vulnerable to the cognitive consequences of environmental impoverishment.