Journal Article

DZNE-2020-01162

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Sources of path integration error in young and aging humans

Stangl, M. (First author)DZNE* ; Kanitscheider, I. ; Riemer, M.DZNE* ; Fiete, I. ; Wolbers, T. (Last author)DZNE*

2020
Nature Publishing Group UK [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41467-020-15805-9

Abstract: Path integration plays a vital role in navigation: it enables the continuous tracking of one's position in space by integrating self-motion cues. Path integration abilities vary widely across individuals, and tend to deteriorate in old age. The specific causes of path integration errors, however, remain poorly characterized. Here, we combine tests of path integration performance in participants of different ages with an analysis based on the Langevin equation for diffusive dynamics, which allows us to decompose errors into distinct causes that can corrupt path integration computations. We show that, across age groups, the dominant error source is unbiased noise that accumulates with travel distance not elapsed time, suggesting that the noise originates in the velocity input rather than within the integrator. Age-related declines are primarily traced to a growth in this noise. These findings shed light on the contributors to path integration error and the mechanisms underlying age-related navigational deficits.

Keyword(s): Adult (MeSH) ; Aged (MeSH) ; Cognitive Aging: physiology (MeSH) ; Distance Perception: physiology (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Humans (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Middle Aged (MeSH) ; Models, Neurological (MeSH) ; Spatial Memory: physiology (MeSH) ; Spatial Navigation: physiology (MeSH) ; Spatial Processing: physiology (MeSH) ; Walking: 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 2020

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