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Summary
Simple reaction time (RT) in adults aged 18-93 years showed only a slight increase with age, suggesting age-related behavioral slowing may stem from ineffective control processes rather than central nervous system decline.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human Aging Research
Background:
- Previous research suggests significant age-related decline in cognitive functions.
- Simple reaction time (RT) is a fundamental measure of cognitive processing speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in simple reaction time.
- To determine if age-related behavioral slowing is due to general central nervous system decline.
Main Methods:
- A study of 220 men and women aged 18-93 years measuring simple RT to a tone.
- A second study comparing young and old adults matched on optimal RT techniques, manipulating preparatory intervals.
Main Results:
- Simple RT increased by less than 2 msec/decade, a slight change.
- Older adults were significantly slower only when a long preparatory interval was used, indicating preparation difficulties.
Conclusions:
- The slight age-related increase in simple RT challenges the notion of general central nervous system slowing with age.
- Behavioral slowing in aging may result from difficulties in implementing effective cognitive control processes, particularly under demanding conditions.