Do Cognitive Speed and Executive Functions Follow the Expected Age Trajectory for Fluid Intelligence?
Abstract
After reviewing cognitive safety in healthcare, effectiveness of BrainTagger cognitive assessment games in tracking age-related cognitive changes is evaluated. One hundred eighty-three participants, aged 4 to 92, each played up to four games designed to assess cognitive speed, response inhibition, cognitive control, and working memory. Participants were recruited during two public events in Toronto: AGE-TECH Innovation Week (October 24–27, 2023) and the National Home Show (March 8–17, 2024). Piecewise linear regression analyzed game performance across three life stages: development (0–25 years); peak performance (26–50 years); age-related decline (51+ years). All four games demonstrated expected trends, with performance increasing in early years, stabilizing during middle age, and declining after age 50. BrainTagger are shown to track age-related cognitive decline. Future applications in clinical settings may enhance early identification of cognitive harm caused by medical interventions or neglect, contributing to improved cognitive safety in healthcare environments.
Authors: Mark Chignell, YiFei Zhou, You Zhi Hu, Junyoung Seok, Zichun Xu, Jinfeng Wu
Published in: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (2025)