Dementia and Cognitive Decline in Aging

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 1098

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
2. School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield Campus, Strathfield, NSW 2135, Australia
Interests: dementia risk reduction; cognitive reserve; memory ageing; gender differences

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dementia and cognitive impairment represent some of the most pressing challenges in aging populations worldwide. Despite decades of research, the underlying mechanisms are not wholly understood, and effective treatments are limited. This Special Issue seeks to consolidate current knowledge and foster new insights into the biological, psychological, and social factors for dementia and cognitive aging.

We welcome contributions that explore both normal and pathological aging, with particular emphasis on early detection, prevention, and therapeutic innovation. Submissions that leverage emerging technologies and methodologies are encouraged, including the following:

  • Neuroimaging and biomarker discovery;
  • Modifiable risk factors;
  • Artificial intelligence in diagnosis and prediction;
  • Longitudinal and cross-cultural studies of aging.

We invite submissions in the following formats:

  • Original research articles;
  • Systematic reviews and meta-analyses;
  • Clinical studies on diagnosis, treatment, and care strategies;
  • Theoretical and conceptual papers proposing new models or frameworks;
  • Interdisciplinary studies that integrate neuroscience, psychology, public health, and social science perspectives.

Dr. Yvonne Leung
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • dementia
  • cognitive impairment
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
  • neurodegeneration
  • cognitive aging
  • biomarkers
  • cognitive resilience
  • cognitive reserve

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 562 KB  
Article
A Longitudinal Observational Study to Monitor the Outpatient–Caregiver Dyad in a Rehabilitation Hospital: Sociodemographic Characteristics and the Impact of Cognitive and Functional Impairment
by Daniela Mancini, Valeria Torlaschi, Marina Maffoni, Roberto Maestri, Pierluigi Chimento, Michelangelo Buonocore, Antonia Pierobon and Cira Fundarò
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15121316 - 10 Dec 2025
Viewed by 144
Abstract
Background and objectives: This study examines how sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors within the patient–caregiver dyad affect caregiver burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cognitive impairment. By comparing baseline data with a 1-year follow-up, the research aims to identify key predictors [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: This study examines how sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors within the patient–caregiver dyad affect caregiver burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cognitive impairment. By comparing baseline data with a 1-year follow-up, the research aims to identify key predictors of caregiver burden and well-being. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was conducted in an Italian rehabilitation hospital, recruiting 132 outpatients and their caregivers at baseline, categorized as (a) Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI, n = 33); (b) dementia (DEM, n = 58); (c) healthy subjects (No-CI, n = 41). One year after baseline assessment (T0), patients were contacted and invited for an in-person follow-up re-evaluation (T1). Most attrition was related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests for group comparisons and stepwise multiple linear regression to identify predictors of burden, adjusting for confounders (e.g., age, gender, education, employment, co-residence). Results: A total of 51 subjects (age: 80.0 ± 6.1) and 34 caregivers (age: 58.8 ± 15.9) were evaluated. Patients were balanced by gender (53% males); most were retired (96%), married (62.7%), and cared for by sons (47%) or wife–husband (47%). Caregivers (females: 85%) were married (68.3%) and active workers (46.4%). Over one year, 17 No-CI subjects developed MCI or DEM; 15 MCI patients progressed to DEM. Caregiver HRQoL negatively correlated with distress and burden in MCI and DEM groups. Patient cognitive status, functional abilities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and gender predicted caregiver burden, emphasizing the interplay between clinical and demographic factors. Conclusions: It is essential to monitor psychosocial factors in both the patient and the caregiver to develop effective prevention and support strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dementia and Cognitive Decline in Aging)
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15 pages, 856 KB  
Article
Differences in Cognitive Health and Brain Activity According to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Physical Activity Levels in Older Women
by Jidong Tian and Wookwang Cheon
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15111181 - 31 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in cognitive well-being and brain activity between older women with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) across varying levels of physical activity. Method: A total of 126 female participants aged over 65 years [...] Read more.
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in cognitive well-being and brain activity between older women with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) across varying levels of physical activity. Method: A total of 126 female participants aged over 65 years were recruited and categorized into MCI and non-MCI groups. Cognitive health was evaluated using the Korean versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K), while physical activity levels were quantified with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE-K). Brain activity was assessed through electroencephalography (EEG). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results: Results indicated that non-MCI participants consistently demonstrated higher cognitive scores across all physical activity levels. Moreover, individuals with higher physical activity exhibited greater theta wave activity compared with those in the MCI group. Significant group differences were also observed in concentration and stress levels. Conclusion: These findings suggest that higher physical activity levels are associated with better cognitive performance and brain activity in older women. Promoting physical activity may therefore contribute to strategies aimed at supporting healthy cognitive aging, although longitudinal research is required to establish causal relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dementia and Cognitive Decline in Aging)
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