Age-related cognitive changes: the importance of modulating factors

Abstract

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.