DeCarlo, C.A.Tuokko, H.A.Williams, D.Dixon, R.A.MacDonald, Stuart W.S.2021-08-202021-08-2020142014DeCarlo, C.A., Tuokko, H.A., Willliams, D., Dixon, R.A., MacDonald, S.W.S. (2014). BioAge: Toward A Multi-Determined, Mechanistic Account of Cognitive Aging. Ageing Research Review, 18, 95-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2014.09.003https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2014.09.003http://hdl.handle.net/1828/13291The search for reliable early indicators of age-related cognitive decline represents a critical avenue for progress in aging research. Chronological age is a commonly used developmental index; however, it offers little insight into the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline. In contrast, biological age (BioAge), reflecting the vitality of essential biological systems, represents a promising operationalization of developmental time. Current BioAge models have successfully predicted age-related cognitive deficits. Research on aging-related cognitive function indicates that the interaction of multiple risk and protective factors across the human lifespan confers individual risk for late-life cognitive decline, implicating a multi-causal explanation. In this review, we explore current BioAge models, describe three broad yet pathologically relevant biological processes linked to cognitive decline, and propose a novel operationalization of BioAge accounting for both moderating and causal mechanisms of cognitive decline and dementia. We argue that a multivariate and mechanistic BioAge approach will lead to a greater understanding of disease pathology as well as more accurate prediction and early identification of late-life cognitive decline.enBiological AgeOxidative StressVascular HealthEarly IdentificationCognitive AgingInflammationInstitute on Aging and Lifelong HealthArticleDepartment of Psychology