Memory aging from 18 to 80.

Data from samples of adults selected to be representative of the U.S. population were examined to investigate issues related to the breadth and timing of age-related effects on memory and other cognitive functions. The results suggest that memory aging begins in early adulthood, that it overlaps with other aspects of cognitive aging, and that it can occur without accompanying increases in between-person variability. These findings imply that it is important to consider factors occurring early in life when attempting to understand the causes of memory and cognitive impairments apparent late in life.