E. Garcia-Cabello , A. Habich , Y. Molina , L. Perestelo-Pérez , J. Barroso , D. Ferreira
{"title":"A systematic review of multivariate studies in cognitive aging: Introducing the concept of cognitive organization","authors":"E. Garcia-Cabello , A. Habich , Y. Molina , L. Perestelo-Pérez , J. Barroso , D. Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.arr.2025.102997","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite ample research on cognitive aging, it is still largely unknown whether cognition is organized in a distinct manner, with different cognitive domains and subcomponents interrelating with each other. It is also unknown whether this cognitive organization is stable or changes with increasing age. Following the PRISMA guidelines statement, we conducted a systematic review of multivariate studies of cognitive aging with the aim to identify a potential cognitive organization in healthy aging. We consulted Embase, PsycInfo and Medline electronic databases from 2000 to October 2025. The methodological quality of the included studies was analysed using CASP tools and a narrative synthesis of the selected articles was performed. We screened 1518 references and a total of 14 research articles met selection criteria and were included. We found convergent findings across studies suggesting a cognitive organization of four factors: memory, language, executive functions, and processing speed. This cognitive organization was rather consistent across studies, cohorts, and methodologies. A fifth factor for visuospatial abilities was identified in several studies. Some studies reported that processing speed may influence age-related changes in the direct performance of other cognitive domains. However, the current evidence did not allow concluding on the effect of age in this cognitive organization. Therefore, it is yet to be clarified whether this cognitive organization remains invariant throughout age. Advancing in our understanding of cognitive aging can result in a more accurate and personalized clinical assessment and intervention in people at risk of cognitive impairment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55545,"journal":{"name":"Ageing Research Reviews","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 102997"},"PeriodicalIF":15.5000,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Ageing Research Reviews","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163725003435","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2025/12/15 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CELL BIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Despite ample research on cognitive aging, it is still largely unknown whether cognition is organized in a distinct manner, with different cognitive domains and subcomponents interrelating with each other. It is also unknown whether this cognitive organization is stable or changes with increasing age. Following the PRISMA guidelines statement, we conducted a systematic review of multivariate studies of cognitive aging with the aim to identify a potential cognitive organization in healthy aging. We consulted Embase, PsycInfo and Medline electronic databases from 2000 to October 2025. The methodological quality of the included studies was analysed using CASP tools and a narrative synthesis of the selected articles was performed. We screened 1518 references and a total of 14 research articles met selection criteria and were included. We found convergent findings across studies suggesting a cognitive organization of four factors: memory, language, executive functions, and processing speed. This cognitive organization was rather consistent across studies, cohorts, and methodologies. A fifth factor for visuospatial abilities was identified in several studies. Some studies reported that processing speed may influence age-related changes in the direct performance of other cognitive domains. However, the current evidence did not allow concluding on the effect of age in this cognitive organization. Therefore, it is yet to be clarified whether this cognitive organization remains invariant throughout age. Advancing in our understanding of cognitive aging can result in a more accurate and personalized clinical assessment and intervention in people at risk of cognitive impairment.
期刊介绍:
With the rise in average human life expectancy, the impact of ageing and age-related diseases on our society has become increasingly significant. Ageing research is now a focal point for numerous laboratories, encompassing leaders in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and behavior. Ageing Research Reviews (ARR) serves as a cornerstone in this field, addressing emerging trends.
ARR aims to fill a substantial gap by providing critical reviews and viewpoints on evolving discoveries concerning the mechanisms of ageing and age-related diseases. The rapid progress in understanding the mechanisms controlling cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival is unveiling new insights into the regulation of ageing. From telomerase to stem cells, and from energy to oxyradical metabolism, we are witnessing an exciting era in the multidisciplinary field of ageing research.
The journal explores the cellular and molecular foundations of interventions that extend lifespan, such as caloric restriction. It identifies the underpinnings of manipulations that extend lifespan, shedding light on novel approaches for preventing age-related diseases. ARR publishes articles on focused topics selected from the expansive field of ageing research, with a particular emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the aging process. This includes age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. The journal also covers applications of basic ageing research to lifespan extension and disease prevention, offering a comprehensive platform for advancing our understanding of this critical field.