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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
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Are age-related changes in cognitive function driven by age-related changes in sensory processing?
Larry E Humes1, Thomas A Busey, James Craig
1Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7002, USA. humes@indiana.edu
Attention, Perception & Psychophysics
|December 21, 2012
Summary
Age-related cognitive decline may be linked to changes in sensory processing. This study found that sensory processing abilities significantly influence cognitive function across different age groups.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Long-standing interest exists in the relationship between sensory and cognitive functions.
- Previous research often focused on limited senses and basic acuity measures.
- The role of temporal processing across multiple senses in cognition remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between comprehensive sensory processing measures and cognitive function.
- To determine if sensory processing mediates the relationship between age and cognitive function.
- To identify global factors underlying sensory and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Collected data from 245 adults (aged 18-87) on 40 psychophysical measures of sensory function (threshold sensitivity, temporal processing) across hearing, vision, and touch.
- Administered 15 subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 3rd edition (WAIS-III) to assess cognitive function.
- Utilized principal-components factor analysis to derive global sensory processing and cognitive function factors, and structural modeling to analyze relationships.
Main Results:
- Principal-components analysis identified a single global sensory processing factor and a single global cognitive function factor.
- Age, global sensory processing, and global cognitive function were all significantly correlated.
- Controlling for global sensory processing eliminated the correlation between age and global cognitive function, while other correlations remained.
Conclusions:
- Age-related cognitive changes may be mediated by age-related alterations in global sensory processing.
- Comprehensive sensory processing is a significant factor influencing cognitive function.
- This study highlights the interconnectedness of sensory systems and cognitive abilities throughout adulthood.
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