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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

Published on: July 16, 2015

Aging, cognitive resources, and declarative learning

K C Kirasic¹, G L Allen, S H Dobson

¹Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208, USA. kirasic@garnet.cla.sc.edu

Psychology and Aging

|December 1, 1996

Summary

Cognitive aging affects information-processing speed, working memory, and declarative learning. Working memory is a key mediator of age-related declines in learning and processing speed.

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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment

Published on: September 20, 2020

Area of Science:

Cognitive psychology
Neuroscience
Human development

Background:

Cognitive functions like processing speed, working memory, and declarative learning are crucial for daily functioning.
Understanding how these cognitive abilities change with age is vital for identifying potential interventions and support.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate age-related changes in information-processing speed, working memory, and declarative learning.
To identify the mediating roles of working memory and processing speed in age-related declarative learning declines.

Main Methods:

Administered a battery of cognitive tasks to 477 adults aged 17–86.
Utilized structural equation modeling to analyze relationships between cognitive constructs and age.

Main Results:

Significant age-related decrements were observed in processing speed, working memory, and declarative learning.
Working memory capability significantly mediated the effects of age on declarative learning.
Working memory capability also mediated the impact of general processing speed on declarative learning.
Distinctions were found in verbal, numeric, and spatial processing speed, and between verbal and spatial working memory.

Conclusions:

Working memory plays a critical role in mediating age-related cognitive decline, particularly in declarative learning.
The findings highlight the importance of differentiating specific cognitive abilities when studying aging and cognition.