Slower transitions between control states lead to reductions in cognitive flexibility over the lifespan

Abstract

Declines in cognitive flexibility are a hallmark of cognitive aging, but their causes remain elusive. Here, we examine a previously untested source of aging-related cognitive inflexibility, building on a dynamical systems framework for flexible cognition. We propose that cognitive inflexibility can arise in part from slower transitions through the space of distinct configurations of cognitive control needed to pursue different goals. To test this model, we had participants across the lifespan (aged 19-88) perform a cognitive task under different performance goals, each of which induced a different configuration of cognitive control. Using computational modeling, we measured dynamic changes in two control signals (attentional focus and response caution) as participants pursued distinct goals. This allowed us to test three potential sources of age-related decreases in cognitive flexibility: 1) diminished control capacity in environments that require more goal switching; 2) diminished range of control adjustments; and 3) slower transitions between control configurations. Of these, we found that age was only associated with transition speed. When given sufficient time to maintain a given goal, older adults were able to adjust control to a similar extent as younger adults. However, older adults were more likely to undershoot their target control configuration when frequently switching between goals, consistent with longer transition times between configurations. Our findings demonstrate the critical role that cognitive dynamics play in explaining the mechanisms through which cognitive inflexibility arises in older adulthood. SignificanceMeeting the shifting demands of daily life requires a person to constantly adjust the way in which they allocate their cognitive resources. As people get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve the same levels of cognitive flexibility. We show that these deficits can be explained by age-related changes in the dynamics governing adjustments between cognitive states. Older adults take longer to adapt their cognitive state to a new goal, despite demonstrating preserved ability to reach desired states when given sufficient time. These findings validate a new model of cognitive flexibility and its variability across individuals, including forms of inflexibility seen in healthy aging and across a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders.