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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
Linking biological and cognitive aging: toward improving characterizations of developmental time
Stuart W S MacDonald1, Correne A DeCarlo, Roger A Dixon
1Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada. smacd@uvic.ca
Summary
Cognitive decline in older adults is linked to biological changes, not just chronological age. Functional biomarkers better explain changes in cognition over time.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Chronological age is a common but indirect measure of cognitive change.
- True mechanisms influencing cognition across time require deeper investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore functional biomarkers as better indicators of developmental time.
- To investigate the relationship between biological markers and cognitive changes in aging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study.
- Employed multilevel models to analyze static and dynamic biomarkers (e.g., grip strength, pulmonary function).
- Examined the coupling between biomarker changes and cognitive measures (e.g., executive function, memory).
Main Results:
- Observed significant covariation between declines in cognitive outcomes and biological markers.
- These associations were independent of the passage of developmental time (years in study).
Conclusions:
- Cognitive decline is not solely due to chronological aging.
- Multiple biological and physical health factors influence cognitive aging.
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