Journal Article

DZNE-2020-06835

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Spatial updating deficits in human aging are associated with traces of former memory representations.

Merhav, M. (First author)DZNE* ; Riemer, M.DZNE* ; Wolbers, T. (Last author)DZNE*

2019
Elsevier Science Amsterdam [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.12.010

Abstract: The ability to update spatial memories is important for everyday situations, such as remembering where we left our keys or parked our car. Although rodent studies have suggested that old age might impair spatial updating, direct evidence for such a deficit in humans is missing. Here, we tested whether spatial updating deficits occur in human aging, whether the learning mode influences spatial updating, and what mnemonic mechanism underlies the presumed deficits. To address these questions, younger and older participants had to indicate the latest location of relocated items, following either incidental or intentional learning. Using eye tracking, we further quantified memory traces of the original and updated locations. We found that older participants were selectively impaired in recalling locations of relocated items. Furthermore, they depicted relatively stronger representations of the original locations, which were correlated with their spatial updating deficits. The findings demonstrate that stronger representations of former spatial contexts can impair spatial updating in aging, a mechanism that can help explain the commonly observed age-related decline in spatial memory.

Keyword(s): Adult (MeSH) ; Aged (MeSH) ; Aging: psychology (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Humans (MeSH) ; Learning: physiology (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Memory Disorders: psychology (MeSH) ; Mental Recall (MeSH) ; Proactive Inhibition (MeSH) ; Space Perception: physiology (MeSH) ; Spatial Memory: physiology (MeSH) ; Spatial Navigation: physiology (MeSH) ; Young Adult (MeSH)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Aging, Cognition and Technology (AG Wolbers)

Research Program(s):

1. 344 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF3-344) (POF3-344)

Appears in the scientific report 2019

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Web of Science Core Collection

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