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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Do depressive traits and hostility predict age-related decline in general intelligence?
Erik Lykke Mortensen1, John Calvin Barefoot, Kirsten Avlund
1Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, Medical Psychology Unit, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5 A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
Journal of Aging Research
|September 14, 2012
Summary
Personality traits like depression and hostility correlate with lower intelligence levels. However, these traits did not impact the rate of cognitive decline over 30 years in this lifespan study.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Personality traits can influence health and cognitive function across the lifespan.
- Understanding the relationship between personality and cognitive decline is crucial for aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of specific personality traits on general intelligence.
- To analyze how personality influences the rate of age-related cognitive decline over three decades.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Glostrup 1914 cohort, assessing personality via the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).
- Measured general intelligence using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) at multiple time points (ages 50, 60, 70, 80).
- Employed mixed-effects statistical models, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- Obvious depression and hostility scores were negatively associated with baseline intelligence levels.
- No significant interaction was found between personality scores and time, indicating personality traits did not affect the rate of cognitive decline.
- Intelligence levels showed a decline over the 30-year follow-up period, independent of personality traits.
Conclusions:
- While certain personality traits are linked to initial intelligence levels, they do not appear to moderate age-related cognitive decline.
- This longitudinal study highlights the complex interplay between personality, intelligence, and aging, suggesting distinct pathways for cognitive level versus cognitive change.
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