The neuropsychology of healthy aging: the positive context of the University of the Third Age during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Older adults have been reported to have increased susceptibility to the adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as fatal outcomes, cognitive decline, and changes in physical and/or mental health. However, few studies have examined neuropsychological changes by comparing measurements before and during the pandemic in healthy older people. In addition, no longitudinal studies have examined whether older adults may have responded positively to the pandemic. We examined these issues through a 2-year neuropsychological study before and during the pandemic period. Results showed that scores before and during the pandemic were the same in memory and attention, whereas global cognitive, executive, and language functions improved. Participants also showed no longitudinal changes in depression, hypomania, and disinhibition, while apathy and, to a lesser extent, anxiety increased significantly. To examine possible signs of pandemic-related emotional (dys)regulation, subjects were shown images at follow-up that recalled the most dramatic lockdown phase while heart rate variability was recorded. Higher apathy was predicted by poorer global cognitive performance, increased anxiety, and emotional dysregulation as measured by a higher ratio of low-to-high frequency heart rate variability. Thus, preserved global cognition appears to play a protective role against the effects of pandemic-related anxiety and emotional dysregulation on apathy.

Exploring Biomarkers of Mental Flexibility in Healthy Aging: A Computational Psychometric Study

“…Mental flexibility, with its cognitive-affective and physiological biomarkers, is a complex and multifaceted construct. Studying its components in healthy aging enables a better understanding of how they work and interact, as a signal of successful aging [ 59 ].…”

“…After being administered the neuropsychological assessments, participants were exposed to a set of selected emotional images depicting events related to the lockdown COVID-19 pandemic, to assess individual differences in Affective Flexibility [ 59 ]. We randomly administered 75 pictures featuring emotional content associated with the pandemic situation [ 59 ].…”

“…After being administered the neuropsychological assessments, participants were exposed to a set of selected emotional images depicting events related to the lockdown COVID-19 pandemic, to assess individual differences in Affective Flexibility [ 59 ]. We randomly administered 75 pictures featuring emotional content associated with the pandemic situation [ 59 ]. COVID-19-related images were selected to enhance their perceived personal relevance, thus potentially triggering a wider range of emotional responses, since the study was conducted between the first and second Italian lockdowns (late 2020 to early 2021).…”

Editorial: The cognitive ageing collection

“…Interestingly, a longitudinal neuropsychophysiological study published as part of this Collection examined University of the Third Age participants who continued to attend their learning classes and share their experiences via social media during the COVID-19 pandemic 16 . Neuropsychological data from before and during the pandemic showed that older people were able to maintain their cognitive ability if they continued to participate in social and educational activities.…”

“…'Cognitive reserve' , accumulated over the lifespan, for example via education and other stimulating activities, may act as a buffer against cognitive impairment 10,11 . Cognitive reserve is associated with improved performance in global cognition, executive functions and attention 12,13 and has been shown to protect against brain damage and dementia, slow the cognitive aging process, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders 14,15 .Interestingly, a longitudinal neuropsychophysiological study published as part of this Collection examined University of the Third Age participants who continued to attend their learning classes and share their experiences via social media during the COVID-19 pandemic 16 . Neuropsychological data from before and during the pandemic showed that older people were able to maintain their cognitive ability if they continued to participate in social and educational activities.…”