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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Epigenetic contributions to cognitive aging: disentangling mindspan and lifespan
Amy M Spiegel1, Angila S Sewal1, Peter R Rapp2
1Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
Epigenetic changes in the brain impact cognitive aging and memory. Dysfunctional epigenetic regulation is linked to age-related memory decline, highlighting its complexity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epigenetics
- Cognitive Aging
Background:
- Gene-environment interactions shape health trajectories.
- Epigenetic dysregulation is linked to cognitive decline in aging.
- The hippocampus is crucial for memory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroepigenetic research on cognitive aging.
- To focus on memory function within the hippocampal system.
- To differentiate epigenetic influences on chronological aging versus mindspan.
Main Methods:
- Review of current neuroepigenetic literature.
- Focus on studies examining hippocampal function in aging.
- Analysis of research differentiating aging from mindspan.
Main Results:
- Age-related memory impairment correlates with disrupted chromatin regulation.
- Individual differences in cognitive outcomes in animal models suggest complex epigenetic dynamics.
- Distinguishing chronological aging effects from mindspan preservation is an active research area.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms are central to understanding gene-environment interactions in aging.
- Dysfunctional epigenetic regulation in the hippocampus contributes to memory deficits.
- Further research is needed to unravel the complex epigenetic dynamics in the aged hippocampus.
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