title: Reward-enhanced memory in younger and older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated how the anticipation of remote monetary reward modulates intentional episodic memory formation in younger and older adults. On the basis of prior findings of preserved reward-cognition interactions in aging, we predicted that reward anticipation would be associated with enhanced memory in both younger and older adults. On the basis of previous demonstrations of a time-dependent effect of reward anticipation on memory, we expected the memory enhancement to increase with study-test delay.
  
  
  METHODS
  In Experiment 1, younger and older participants encoded a series of picture stimuli associated with high- or low-reward values. At test (24-hr postencoding), recognition hits resulted in either high or low monetary rewards, whereas false alarms were penalized to discourage guessing. Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1, but the study-test delay was manipulated within subjects (immediate vs 24hr).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In Experiment 1, younger and older adults showed enhanced recognition for high-reward pictures compared with low-reward pictures. Experiment 2 replicated this finding and additionally showed that the effect did not extend to immediate recognition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current findings provide support for a time-dependent mechanism of reward-based memory enhancement. They also suggest that aging leaves intact the positive influence of reward anticipation on intentional long-term memory formation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jspaniol@psych.ryerson.ca.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spaniol
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schain
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Holly J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Bowen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D059031:Anticipation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D008875:Middle Aged; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D012201:Reward; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Episodic memory; Incentives; Motivation; Older adults; Reward anticipation.