Age-related changes in performance in memory athletes

Memory athletes demonstrate remarkable cognitive performance. However, limited research has examined how memory performance changes with advancing age in these athletes. The present study investigated age-associated changes in memory performance in athletes competing in memory championship events. We evaluated performance trends in five-min number, fifteen-min number, five-min word, and ten-min card events, in which participants memorize and recall random digits, words, or cards within a specified time. Participants were categorized into four age groups: junior (≤ 17 years), young (18-39), middle-age (40-59), and senior (≥ 60). The top 30 performers in each category were included in the analysis. Polynomial and non-parametric regressions revealed an inverted U-shaped association between age and performance. Performance increased from junior to young categories, peaking at 28-29 years and then gradually declined. Performance declined by 16-22% at age 40, 46-56% at age 50, and 74-76% at age 60 compared with peak values. Violin plots indicated that middle-aged adults exhibited consistent performance, whereas seniors showed wider variability. In conclusion, memory performance improves from junior to young, peaking around the late 20 s, and declines gradually and markedly with advancing age, even among individuals with highly trained memory systems.