What is a major cognitive change that may occur in late adulthood?

In late adulthood, one significant cognitive change observed is a decline in processing speed and fluid intelligence. As individuals age, various cognitive functions may experience a slowdown, leading to reduced efficiency in processing information. Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to think abstractly, reason, and solve novel problems, which tends to decline with age due to factors such as reduced neural plasticity and changes in brain structure.

This decline can impact everyday functioning, including memory retention, problem-solving abilities, and other cognitive tasks that require quick thinking or adaptability to new situations. While some individuals may maintain or even enhance certain knowledge-based skills (often referred to as crystallized intelligence), the overall trend in processing speed and fluid intelligence typically shows a decrease in late adulthood. This cognitive shift underscores the importance of understanding the aging process and its effects on mental function.