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Updated: May 31, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Cognitive decline and the default American lifestyle
1Department of Sociology, Population Research Center, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-0118, USA. mirowsky@prc.utexas.edu
Summary
Cognitive function in seniors is not improving as expected, possibly due to declining physical activity, rising obesity, and increased medication use. These lifestyle and health trends may be accelerating cognitive decline across cohorts.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Societal advancements like increased education and cognitive demands suggest rising cognitive function in older adults.
- However, recent data indicates a plateau or even decline in cognitive abilities across recent cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore potential explanations for the anomaly of stagnant or declining cognitive function in aging populations.
- To investigate the impact of long-term societal trends on cognitive health in seniors.
Main Methods:
- Review of major long-term societal trends potentially increasing cognitive impairment.
- Analysis of the implications of these trends on cognitive function in aging populations.
Main Results:
- Declining physical activity levels.
- Increased consumption of processed foods and rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Growing use of prescription medications and an increasing proportion of elderly and obese individuals.
Conclusions:
- Modern lifestyles, characterized by sedentary behavior and reliance on processed foods, undermine the metabolic and aerobic fitness essential for optimal brain function.
- The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and polypharmacy negatively impacts cognitive health.
- Societal shifts towards medical intervention over health maintenance, coupled with an aging and increasingly obese population, may accelerate cognitive decline.
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