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Updated: Mar 10, 2026
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
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50 Years of Cognitive Aging Theory
Nicole D Anderson1,2,3, Fergus I M Craik4,3
1Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. nanderson@research.baycrest.org.
Summary
Cognitive aging research has evolved from descriptive studies to understanding the mechanisms behind intellectual changes in older adults. Advances in neuroscience and theory offer deeper insights into cognitive aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Early cognitive aging research (pre-1965) was primarily descriptive, noting intellectual differences between age groups.
- The mid-1960s marked a shift towards understanding the 'how' and 'why' of cognitive changes in aging.
Discussion:
- Significant theoretical advancements have clarified which cognitive functions are affected by aging and why.
- There's a growing emphasis on the neuroscience underlying cognitive aging processes.
Key Insights:
- Cognitive aging theories have become more sophisticated, moving beyond simple descriptions of decline.
- Neuroimaging and other technologies are increasingly used to study the brain mechanisms of aging cognition.
Outlook:
- Future research will likely involve new theoretical frameworks and advanced tools like neuroimaging and neuromodulation.
- Continued exploration promises further understanding of cognitive aging and its neural underpinnings.
Keywords:
AttentionCognitionCognitive neuroscienceExecutive functionLanguageMemoryNeuropsychologySocial cognitionTechnologyTheoryMore Related Videos
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