A commonly accepted theory about brain development and functioning is that cognitive abilities decline with age. Defining various cognitive abilities are traditionally categorized into either fluid intelligence, also known as short-term memory, or crystalized intelligence, such as vocabulary and other acquired knowledge. Since many research studies often group together several age groups into the broad “adult” category, it is difficult to differentiate more subtle changes during various eras throughout adulthood.
This study examines extensive online data with comprehensive normative data taken from standardized assessment tests in order to determine when particular cognitive tasks and abilities peak across different ages throughout one’s life span. The results showed many consistent patterns within different age groups, such as certain abilities peaking and declining in high school, and other abilities plateauing in their 30’s, 40’s and beyond, like older adults may excel with vocabulary tasks due to ongoing exposure to new knowledge,. These outcomes bring into question the previously accepted theory about cognitive functioning declining overall with age. Conversely, a revision is being considered in which humans can never perform at their peak on all cognitive tasks, or even most cognitive tasks for that matter. However, there are patterns of strengths in one’s cognitive abilities that are seen within similar age ranges. This finding can provide great insight into the way we look at brain development and aging over time.