Editorial: Longitudinal aging research: Cognition, behavior and neuroscience

Abstract

Editorial on the Research Topic Longitudinal aging research: Cognition, behavior and neuroscienceThis Research Topic (RT) covers papers presented at the 5th International Conference on Aging & Cognition in Zurich (https://eucas.org/ac2019/). A particular focus of this RT is placed on longitudinal research, which is still underrepresented compared to the abundantly available cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies are, however, urgently needed to understand aging better. A further emphasis is placed on understanding "healthy aging, " thus excluding issues related to dementia, mild cognitive impairments, or clinically relevant limitations in other behavioral domains. Sixteen manuscripts have been accepted for final publication. Seven papers investigated longitudinal changes concerning neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and psychometric aging issues (Jockwitz et al.

Enhancing Cognition in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment through High-Intensity Functional Training: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Multiple complex structures are strongly affected by aging, generating neuroanatomical and neurophysiological changes that impact cognition [2]. One of the pathologies that are associated with cognition as a result of aging is mild cognitive impairment (MCI).…”

“…Cognition, defined as the ability to learn, remember, solve problems and appropriately use previously stored information, is one of the most important factors in healthy aging [ 1 ]. Multiple complex structures are strongly affected by aging, generating neuroanatomical and neurophysiological changes that impact cognition [ 2 ]. One of the pathologies that are associated with cognition as a result of aging is mild cognitive impairment (MCI).…”

A Subtype Perspective on Cognitive Trajectories in Healthy Aging

“…In fact, when considering individual dynamics beyond the normative pattern, important information may be lost [9]. This is particularly important when studying the older adult population given the substantial heterogeneity in late-life healthy cognitive trajectories, as some individuals experience little change while others experience complex non-linear dynamics, making it difficult to model change uniformly [2,10]. This results in the proposed modeling approaches of normative healthy cognitive aging not being inclusive of healthy individuals whose cognitive trajectories may display different dynamic behaviors.…”