A Scoping Review of Antecedents and Protective Mechanisms of Cognitive Aging

Abstract

Background: With the increasing proportion of older adults in the global population, the negative effects of cognitive aging on daily functioning and mental health have attracted growing attention from researchers. Objective: This study aimed to explore the antecedent variables of cognitive aging and to clarify their potential causal mechanisms based on previous research. Methods: A literature search was conducted in Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Two researchers independently performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The research methods, findings, and conclusions of the included studies were then systematically reviewed. Results: A total of eight studies published after 2010 were included in the final analysis. All studies adopted longitudinal designs using latent growth models (LGM). The findings suggest that cognitive aging typically begins around the age of 50–55. Factors such as social isolation, cohabitation status, depression, social participation, lifestyle, years of education, income level, leisure activities, and midlife body mass index were found to be associated with cognitive aging and may play protective roles. Conclusion: These findings highlight several potential protective factors that may help mitigate or delay the progression of cognitive aging.