Age-related cognitive changes: the importance of modulating factors
Date
2018Abstract
The study of age-related cognitive changes over the last
years reveals a considerable variability in available results.
The methodological heterogeneity observed in the aging
field can significantly contribute to this observed variability,
which creates a confusing scenario for beginners in this topic. The main aim of the present article is to extract a clear
depiction of the current state of knowledge about age-related cognitive changes regardless of the methodological
approach followed by researchers. In this sense, a specific
and differential pattern of impairment seems to be present
in most cognitive domains, which highlights the existence
of a great intra-domain variability in terms of impairment.
We conclude it seems to be enough evidence about the influence of certain modulating factors such as benefit from
schooling and gender on cognitive aging, and not taking
these factors into account when studying age-related cognitive changes contributes to the scarce agreement found in
available results.