Social cognition and aging: an emerging biomarch in geriatrics

Julia M. Carranza-Torres, Department of Research and Graduate Studies, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Queretaro, Qro., México
Jorge R. Palacios-Delgado, Neuroeconomics Research Unit, Universidad del Valle de México, Queretaro, Qro., México
Lilia S. Gallardo-Vidal, Office of Education and Medical Research, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Queretaro, Qro., Mexico
Gaddy N. Soberanes-Hernández, Division of Systems Development, Estancia Geriátrica Santa Sofía, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

Social cognition is the integration of various cognitive processes that enable us to interact with others in society through the exchange of non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions of emotions, voice characteristics, and body posture. This review article analyzes the scientific literature on changes in social cognition associated with normal and pathological aging, including mild cognitive impairment and dementias. The findings show a consistent pattern of deterioration in specific components of social cognition, with progression varying according to the aging trajectory. However, the review also describes significant methodological limitations in existing studies, inconsistencies in assessment instruments, and controversies regarding the independence of these deficits from general cognitive decline. The clinical implications are numerous, such as the role of social cognition in identifying early cognitive and behavioral changes that can help explain interpersonal difficulties not captured by conventional cognitive tests, strengthening the clinical differential diagnosis between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and major cognitive impairment in its various forms, and improving our understanding of symptoms, such as apathy, disinhibition, loss of empathy, social isolation, or vulnerability to abuse and exploitation among older adults.

Keywords: Social cognition. Theory of mind. Executive functions. Mild cognitive impairment. Neurodegenerative disorders.