Gains in fluid ability performance and their relationship to cortisol

The present analyses examined the relationship between cortisol and perform ance: gains in crystallized (Gc) and fluid (Gf) ability, as well as the rel ationship to measures of everyday cognitive functioning iii a sample of 73 older adults. The analyses were part of a larger study examining the impact of anxiety-reduction training on everyday tasks. Cortisol was assessed via urine sampling. Results indicated that there was a significant negative co rrelation between cortisol and performance gains for Gf, replicating earlie r findings reported by our laboratory. These findings also extend the relat ionship to cortisol measured in urine; previous analyses were conducted usi ng sei um-based cortisol. Cortisol was also significantly I elated to perfo rmance gains in some measures of everyday cognitive functioning.