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The age differences and effect of mild cognitive impairment on perceptual-motor and executive functions

Yupaporn Rattanavichit1, Nithinun Chaikeeree1, Rumpa Boonsinsukh1

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand.

Frontiers in Psychology
|August 15, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Executive function (EF) and perceptual-motor function (PMF) decline with age, but only cognitive flexibility is uniquely impaired in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Perceptual-motor coordination remains unaffected by aging or MCI.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Gerontology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Distinguishing age-related cognitive decline from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
  • Executive functions (EF) and perceptual-motor functions (PMF) are commonly affected in aging and neurodegenerative conditions.
  • The specific impact of normal aging versus MCI on EF and PMF subdomains requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate age-related changes in EF and PMF from MCI-related impairments.
  • To identify specific cognitive domains sensitive to normal aging and MCI.
  • To investigate the role of cognitive flexibility as a potential biomarker for MCI.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 240 participants across four groups: early adult, middle adult, older adult, and older adult with probable MCI.
  • Assessment of EF subdomains (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) using digit span backward, Stroop test, and verbal fluency tests.
  • Evaluation of PMF subdomains (visual perception, visuoconstructional reasoning, perceptual-motor coordination) using clock reading, stick design, and stick catching tests.

Main Results:

  • Significant group differences were observed in most EF and PMF subdomains, except for perceptual-motor coordination, which remained stable.
  • Age-related decline was noted in working memory, cognitive flexibility, visual perception, and visuoconstructional reasoning starting in older adulthood.
  • Cognitive inhibition declined earlier, starting in middle adulthood. Only cognitive flexibility showed a significant decline in older adults with MCI compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive inhibition declines earlier in aging, while broader EF and PMF impairments emerge in older adulthood.
  • Perceptual-motor coordination is resilient to both normal aging and MCI.
  • Cognitive flexibility is identified as the sole cognitive function significantly impaired by MCI, independent of age and education.
Keywords:
cognitive flexibilitycognitive inhibitionperceptual-motor coordinationvisual perceptionvisuoconstructional reasoningworking memory

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