Epigenetic age deviation and cognitive features in adults aged 25–65
In 139 adults aged 25–65, greater baseline epigenetic age deviation was linked to lower peak performance and more variability in processing speed, but not to cognitive change over time. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
In 139 adults aged 25–65, baseline AgeDev was derived from DNA methylation using Horvath1, Horvath2, Hannum, PhenoAge and GrimAge, plus DunedinPACE and SystemsAge. [1]
Baseline peak performance was lower for individuals with greater AgeDev, faster DunedinPACE and greater chronological age. [1]
Greater chronological age, but not AgeDev, was linked with more forgetting between bursts in both tasks. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Abstract of a longitudinal measurement-burst study.
- Population / context
- 139 adults aged 25–65.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 26, 2026
Epigenetic age deviation in 139 adults
The study asked whether individual differences in cognitive performance can be predicted by age deviation (AgeDev), where biological age is older than chronological age. In 139 adults aged 25–65, baseline AgeDev was derived from DNA methylation using Horvath1, Horvath2, Hannum, PhenoAge and GrimAge; DunedinPACE and SystemsAge were also derived. Processing speed and working memory were measured with a Symbol Search and an N-Back task across four annual high-frequency assessment bursts.
Supporting source [1]
Lower peak performance, more variability
Using Bayesian Double Exponential Models, the authors report that baseline peak performance was lower for individuals with greater AgeDev, faster DunedinPACE and greater chronological age. Individuals with greater AgeDev and faster DunedinPACE showed greater retest-related gains within and across bursts. Greater AgeDev was also linked with more intraindividual variability in processing speed. Neither AgeDev nor chronological age predicted differences in cognitive change across time.
Supporting source [1]
Forgetting linked to chronological age only
Greater chronological age, but not AgeDev, was linked with more forgetting between bursts in both tasks. The authors conclude that multidimensional indices of cognitive performance may provide unique information about longitudinal patterns associated with chronological or biological aging, even in a sample spanning young adulthood through early old age. These are associations, not evidence that epigenetic age deviation causes cognitive differences.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. The sample was 139 adults aged 25–65, and the findings are associations, not causal evidence.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Zavala DV, Kim SH, Felt JM, Oravecz Z, Sliwinski MJ, Graham-Engeland JE, Engeland CG, Bernard K, Veeramah KR, Scott SB. · europepmc.org · September 26, 2026