Which of the following cognitive changes is most commonly observed during middle adulthood?

• A. The onset of severe memory impairment similar to dementia
• B. A marked loss of crystallized intelligence and vocabulary
• C. A gradual decline in processing speed and the ability to recall new information
• D. A significant increase in fluid intelligence and rapid problem-solving skills

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key cognitive functions involved in middle adulthood, focusing on processing speed, memory recall, crystallized intelligence, and fluid intelligence.
2. Review psychological research findings on typical cognitive changes during middle adulthood, noting that severe memory impairments like dementia are uncommon at this stage.
3. Recognize that crystallized intelligence, which includes vocabulary and accumulated knowledge, tends to remain stable or even improve during middle adulthood rather than decline markedly.
4. Identify that fluid intelligence, which involves problem-solving and reasoning speed, generally peaks earlier in adulthood and may show some decline during middle adulthood.
5. Conclude that the most common cognitive change in middle adulthood is a gradual decline in processing speed and the ability to recall new information, rather than severe impairments or significant increases in intelligence.