Which cognitive function is most likely to deteriorate with aging?

Short-term memory is identified as the cognitive function that is most likely to deteriorate with aging. As individuals age, they often experience a decline in their ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily. This deterioration can be attributed to various neurological changes and the overall slowing of cognitive processing speeds associated with older age.

Short-term memory is crucial for day-to-day activities, such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it or keeping track of instructions while multitasking. Research has shown that older adults frequently struggle with these types of tasks, which can affect their overall daily functioning and independence.

In contrast, other cognitive functions like judgment, intelligence, and creative thinking may remain stable or even improve in some aspects with age, as older individuals often rely on accumulated knowledge and experience. However, short-term memory remains particularly vulnerable to the effects of aging, making it a key area of focus for understanding cognitive decline in older adults.