COHORT SHIFTS IN POPULATION COGNITIVE AGING

Abstract Declines in cognitive functioning with increased age, on average and individually, is well documented demonstrated to be related genetics a variety of life course risk factors, many which are modifiable. Related population aging the phenomenon Flynn effect, finding increasing test scores across successive cohorts young adults (e.g., 1987). This cohort effect has been repeatedly observed, wide contexts, for over 30 years, evidence that it occurring at least century. Our research looks interaction effect. Using data from English Longitudinal Survey Ageing (ELSA) we show that, indeed, later born significant (and meaningful) differences earlier cohorts. nonlinear Bayesian modeling find certain measures, have higher initial ability. ability leads persistent advantage cohorts, even as they experience (or will experience) decline. Additionally, not present every measure. Later an verbal fluency episodic memory, however there no orientation scores. The lack measurable likely due ceiling effects orientation, suggests any substantial decline measure indicative pathology. We discuss potential factors underlying both recent birth trends.