Theoretical models of cognitive aging and implications for translational research in medicine.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE:
We provide an overview of theoretical models of cognitive aging and present empirical research that uses these models to explain older patients' medical behaviors and to develop interventions for improving the delivery of health information and services to older adults.

DESIGN AND METHODS:
Theoretical accounts of age and cognition are summarized and are related to key research findings, including age differences in comprehension of medical information, adherence, and use of medical technologies. The implications of cognitive aging theories for designing optimal medical environments and enhancing adherence are discussed.

RESULTS:
Age declines in basic cognitive abilities such as working memory capacity limit older adults' ability to comprehend and recall several types of novel medical information. In contrast, automatic processes and environmental cues can benefit older adults, as shown by age increases in compliance for practiced or mentally imaged health behaviors, but can also be dangerous, as shown by older adults' greater belief in false but familiar health statements. Last, cognitive aging is shown to be a useful model for investigating cognitive disorders.

IMPLICATIONS:
Cognitive aging theories are important for understanding older patient behaviors and suggest age-related declines as well as gains in performance in medical domains. In addition, models of cognitive aging are useful in guiding the development of interventions that improve health care in older patients and in furthering our understanding of cognitive dysfunction in populations other than older adults.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Brown, Scott C (SC); Park, Denise C (DC);

Affiliation: Edward R Roybal Center on Aging and Cognition: Health, Education, and Training, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0358, USA. scbrown(-atsign-)med.umich.edu

Grants: P06-AR20557 (Agency:United States NIAMS) ; P50-AG11715 (Agency:United States NIA) ; R01-AG09868 (Agency:United States NIA) ; T32-AR07080 (Agency:United States NIAMS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: The Gerontologist (Gerontologist), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Mar; vol 43 Spec No 1 (issue ) : pp 57-67

Dates: Created 2003/03/14; Completed 2003/06/17; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 12637690, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged
Aging - physiology; psychology
Cognition - physiology
Cues
Delivery of Health Care

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.