What cognitive abilities decline in late adulthood?

In late adulthood, research has shown that certain cognitive abilities typically decline, particularly processing speed and working memory. Processing speed refers to how quickly individuals can carry out cognitive tasks, and it tends to decrease due to a variety of factors such as neurological changes and a decrease in the efficiency of information processing as individuals age.

Working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily, also tends to decline. As people age, they often find it more challenging to juggle multiple pieces of information at once or to filter out distractions, which can affect their performance on tasks that require mental effort and focus.

This decline in processing speed and working memory can impact various aspects of daily functioning and decision-making, leading to difficulties in tasks that require quick thinking and the ability to manage several pieces of information simultaneously. Recognizing these changes can help in tailoring strategies and supports for older adults to engage effectively with cognitive tasks in their daily lives.

In contrast, the other choices listed do not capture the most critical cognitive declines observed in late adulthood, which reinforces why processing speed and working memory are the most accurate answer in this context.