Fact Check: "Cognitive decline can affect memory and decision-making abilities."
What We Know
Cognitive decline is a well-documented phenomenon associated with aging, impacting various cognitive functions, including memory and decision-making abilities. Research indicates that older adults often experience declines in cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring quick processing, working memory, and executive function (source-4). A study involving 952 community-based older adults found that poorer healthcare and financial decision-making was linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) over time (source-1).
Moreover, another study highlighted that even subtle cognitive declines in older adults, who do not meet the criteria for dementia or MCI, can lead to poor decision-making and increased susceptibility to scams (source-2). This suggests that cognitive decline can significantly impair judgment and decision-making abilities, even in those considered cognitively healthy.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that cognitive decline affects memory and decision-making is robust and comes from multiple studies. The longitudinal study conducted by Stewart et al. demonstrated a clear association between poorer decision-making and adverse cognitive outcomes, including a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s dementia and MCI (source-1). This study is credible due to its large sample size and the rigorous methodology employed, including annual standardized evaluations of cognitive functions.
Additionally, the findings from the study by Han et al. reinforce the idea that cognitive decline can lead to poor decision-making, even among older adults without significant cognitive impairments (source-2). This suggests that cognitive decline is not solely a precursor to dementia but can manifest in decision-making difficulties earlier in the aging process.
While some sources discuss the general decline in cognitive functions with age (source-3, source-7), they corroborate the findings that cognitive decline impacts decision-making abilities. The reliability of these sources is high, as they are peer-reviewed studies and publications from reputable medical and psychological journals.
Conclusion
The claim that "cognitive decline can affect memory and decision-making abilities" is True. The evidence from multiple studies indicates that cognitive decline is associated with poorer decision-making and memory performance, particularly in older adults. This decline can occur even in individuals who do not have dementia or MCI, highlighting the importance of recognizing cognitive changes as potential indicators of broader cognitive health issues.
Sources
- Healthcare and Financial Decision Making and Incident Adverse Cognitive Outcomes among Older Adults
- Poor decision making is a consequence of cognitive decline among older persons
- Cognitive Aging, Dementia, and the Future of an Aging Population
- The Impact of Age on Cognition
- Editorial: The Aging Decision-Maker: Advances in Understanding the
- Measures of healthcare decision-making ability in cognitive aging: a review
- Geriatric Evaluation and Treatment of Age-Related Cognitive Decline
- Older adults with mild cognitive impairment may struggle with everyday decision making
