During the course of aging a decline of specialization of functions takes place, which is known as the dedifferentiation process. Dedifferentiation is clearly observed in the tight interrelation of sensory, motor and cognitive functions that occurs with increasing age. At the Dept. of psychology in Tromsø, we are working on the study of dedifferentiation of motor and cognitive functions. We have launched an umbrella project in which we examine the association of motor and cognitive declines in various aging populations. The goal is to investigate longitudinally whether specific associations between psychomotor function, cognitive abilities and brain status existed in specific groups of older adults. The psychomotor functions studied are those dependent on the well-functioning of higher mental capacities. Because at present, the early detection of pathological cognitive decline in the clinical set (i.e., Alzheimer's disease, AD) is often dubious, the present investigation has important implications. On one hand, the project aims to advance our understanding of normal age-related changes in cognition and complex motor functions. On the other hand, we seek to identify new psychomotor markers of pathological aging appearing prior to memory complaints, that may help in the early detection of AD.