What is the Origin of Age-Related Cognitive Latency?

Derived from psychometrics and cognitive psychology, latency refers to the delay between stimulus and response. In the context of aging, it highlights the temporal aspect of neurophysiological deceleration often linked to structural changes.

What is the Mechanism of Age-Related Cognitive Latency?

The slowing often correlates with reduced cerebral metabolic rate, decreased myelination integrity, or altered efficiency in synaptic transmission. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly concerning thyroid and sex steroids, can influence the speed of neuronal depolarization. Therefore, addressing underlying endocrine imbalances may improve processing speed.

Age-Related Cognitive Latency ∞ Area

Age-Related Cognitive Latency

Meaning

This term describes the measurable increase in time required for an individual to process incoming stimuli and execute a relevant cognitive response as they age. It represents a slowing in information throughput within neural networks. Clinically, this manifests as delayed reaction times or increased decision-making time under standardized testing conditions.