Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Associations between higher-order executive planning and subjective cognitive decline in middle-aged individuals
Miguel Ramos-Henderson1,2, Paulina Aliaga-Gallardo1, Camila Aguilar-Riveros1
1Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in midlife is linked to planning difficulties, not global cognition changes. Early detection may benefit from ecologically valid executive function tests.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a key predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Midlife SCD is understudied, yet it's a critical period for early detection.
- Higher-order executive functions, like planning, may reveal early cognitive changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between higher-order executive function and SCD in middle-aged adults.
- To identify sensitive measures for detecting early cognitive changes in midlife.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 167 middle-aged adults (45-60 years) with SCD and normal global cognition.
- Utilized the Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (SCDq), mood, sleepiness, executive function tests, and the Zoo Map Test (ZMT).
- Employed group comparisons, correlation analyses, and hierarchical linear regressions.
Main Results:
- Higher SCD levels correlated with increased planning time and errors on the ZMT.
- No association found between SCD and global cognition or standard executive function tests.
- Mood, sleepiness, and executive planning explained 33.6% of SCD variance.
Conclusions:
- Midlife SCD is associated with subtle executive function deficits under demanding tasks.
- Ecologically valid executive tasks may enhance early detection of cognitive decline risk.
- Findings suggest a need for advanced assessment tools beyond traditional neuropsychological measures.
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