Study Finds Older Adults' Self‑Assessments Match Real Cognitive Performance

Researchers at the University of California‑Davis studied 162 seniors (average age 72) who used an Apple Watch to rate their mental sharpness and mood four times daily while completing brief cognitive tasks. The moment‑by‑moment self‑evaluations closely matched objective test results, showing that older adults can accurately perceive their cognitive abilities in everyday settings. Mood levels did not affect this alignment, and performance was generally higher earlier in the day. Senior author Sarah Tomaszewski Farias said the findings could enable earlier detection of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's risk than standard clinic tests.

The study, published in the journal Neuropsychology, suggests that real‑time, wearable‑based monitoring may improve screening for age‑related cognitive impairment.