Age-related cognitive decline starting sooner than once thought. Researchers based in UCLA have found that cognitive decline, particularly in women, is starting sooner than medical experts previously thought. In testing verbal episodic memory, processing speed tests, and working memory, they found that middle-aged women suffered early cognitive decline in large numbers. While these results do show cause for concern, further research will be needed to determine what is causing these higher rates of decline and what can be done to prevent it.