Increasing memory load modulates regional brain activity in older adults as measured by fMRI.
Several recent studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during recognition memory tests have suggested that the ability to neuromodulate as a function of cognitive demand may be impaired in older adults due to age-related cell loss and neural volume reduction in memory specific regions. In the current study, older adults (ages 59-77) were tested with fMRI during a delayed-recognition task in which memory load for faces was varied across trials. Activity was greater in amplitude for three- versus one-face stimuli within the superior, middle, and inferior frontal gyri, intraparietal sulcus, and fusiform gyrus. It was concluded that the ability to modulate activity with increasing load is preserved in older adults despite reductions in neural volume.
Petrella
Jeffrey R
JR
Department of Radiology, DUMC, Box 3808, Durham NC 27710-3808, USA. Jeffrey.Petrella@duke.edu
Townsend
Brent A
BA
Jha
Amishi P
AP
Ziajko
Lauretta A
LA
Slavin
Melissa J
MJ
Lustig
Cindy
C
Hart
Sarah J
SJ
Doraiswamy
P Murali
PM
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors