Unveiling the Dynamics of Discourse Production in Healthy Aging and Its Connection to Cognitive Skills

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Unveiling the Dynamics of Discourse Production in Healthy Aging and Its Connection to Cognitive Skills
Language: English
Authors: Andrea Marini, Francesco Petriglia, Silvia D'Ortenzio, Francesca Marina Bosco, Giulia Gasparotto
Source: Discourse Processes: A Multidisciplinary Journal. 2025 62(6-7):479-501.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Aging (Individuals), Cognitive Ability, Adults, Language Skills, Neurological Impairments, Short Term Memory, Attention, Inhibition, Theory of Mind, Foreign Countries, Speech Skills
Geographic Terms: Italy
DOI: 10.1080/0163853X.2025.2507548
ISSN: 0163-853X
1532-6950
Abstract: Aging affects language asymmetrically, with a greater impact on language production than on comprehension. In this study, 256 Italian-speaking healthy adults were divided into four age groups: 64 young adults (20-39 years old), 64 middle-aged adults (40-59 years old), 64 mature adults (60-74 years old), and 64 older adults (75-89 years old). Their narrative discourse was assessed using a multilevel discourse analysis procedure. This captured age-related linear and nonlinear trends. Productivity showed a mixed pattern, with no age-related effects on word production and a linear decrease in speech rate. All microlinguistic (lexical and grammatical) and macrolinguistic (pragmatic and discourse level) abilities were affected by aging. Linear trends were observed for phonological, cohesion, and local coherence errors and for complete sentences. Nonlinear declines were observed for semantic and global coherence errors and for the production of informative words with significant modifications in performance after age 75. Working memory, attention, inhibitory control, and Theory of Mind also declined and were strongly associated with macrolinguistic abilities.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1502090
Database: ERIC
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