Upper-Limb Sensorimotor Function as a Marker of Cognitive Aging

The field of aging neuroscience has increasingly recognized the complex interplay between motor function, tactile sensory function, and cognitive processes across the human lifespan. With global populations aging rapidly, there is heightened interest in finding sensitive and accessible markers that can indicate early cognitive decline or differentiate typical versus pathological aging. Recent studies have revealed that upper-limb sensorimotor abilities—such as hand dexterity, fine motor control, tactile sensation/perception, and coordination—show strong associations with executive functions, memory, as well as global cognitive health in older adults. Longitudinal and intervention research suggests that changes in upper-limb sensorimotor performance may precede, predict, or co-occur with declines in cognitive domains, making these functions a promising, underutilized window into neurocognitive aging. However, the precise mechanisms linking sensorimotor deficits and cognitive changes, their temporal relationships, and their clinical and diagnostic potential remain incompletely understood.This Research Topic aims to explore and define the role of upper-limb sensorimotor function as an accessible, valid, and clinically relevant marker of cognitive aging. Key objectives include clarifying the mechanistic pathways between sensorimotor and cognitive decline, evaluating the predictive value of upper-limb tests for early detection of cognitive impairment, and identifying how sensorimotor function interacts with neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors to shape cognitive trajectories. The Topic will also address methodological challenges in measurement, population diversity across the aging spectrum, and real-world translational applications for health care, prevention, and intervention, including upper-limb activity-based programs. By focusing on the upper limb as a nexus for motor-cognitive integration, this collection seeks to move the field toward more holistic, practical, and sensitive approaches for tracking and intervening in age-related neurocognitive change.Contributors are reminded that cognitive screening tools (e.g., MMSE, MoCA) are designed primarily to detect global dysfunction and should not be used as the sole characterization of cognitive performance. Comprehensive or domain-specific neuropsychological measures are recommended to accurately capture cognitive functioning in aging.To gather further insights in this focused area of research on aging and cognition, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Mechanistic links between upper-limb sensorimotor changes and cognitive processes in aging- Predictive validity of upper-limb function assessments for early cognitive impairment or dementia- Longitudinal and interventional studies examining how hand sensorimotor changes track or modify cognitive outcomes- Neuroimaging, neurophysiology, or behavioral correlates underlying motor-cognitive associations- Methodological advances in upper-limb assessment tools and their application in diverse populations- The impact of lifestyle, comorbidity, social engagement, or rehabilitation approaches on both sensorimotor and cognitive health in aging- Clinical translation: approaches to implementing upper-limb measures in screening, management, or prevention of cognitive declineWe encourage the submission of original research, reviews, methodological advances, and perspectives that help elucidate the value of upper-limb function as a practical and meaningful marker in cognitive aging.----Dr. Kobayashi-Cuya, Dr. Koppelmans, and Dr. Miyamoto declare no competing interests. Topic editors: Kimi Estela Kobayashi-Cuya, Vincent Koppelmans Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80677/upper-limb-sensorimotor-function-as-a-marker-of-cognitive-aging