title: Simple and complex rule induction performance in young and older adults: contribution of episodic memory and working memory.
abstract: This study tested the hypothesis that part of the age-related decline in performance on executive function tasks is due to a decline in episodic memory. For this, we developed a rule induction task in which we manipulated the involvement of episodic memory and executive control processes; age effects and neuropsychological predictors of task performance were investigated. Twenty-six younger (mean age, 24.0; range, 19-35 years) and 27 community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 67.5; range, 50-91 years) participated. The neuropsychological predictors consisted of the performance on tests of episodic memory, working memory, switching, inhibition and flexibility. Performance of the older adults was worse for the learning and memorization of simple rules, as well as for the more demanding executive control condition requiring the manipulation of informational content. Episodic memory was the only predictor of performance on the simple learning and memorization task condition whereas an increase in rule induction complexity additionally engaged working memory processes. Together, these findings indicate that part of the age-related decline on rule induction tests may be the result of a decline in episodic memory. Further studies are needed that examine the role of episodic memory in other executive function tasks in aging.
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joukje M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Oosterman
authors.affiliation: Trudy Bron Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Merle S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Boeschoten
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Paul A T
authors.initials: PAT
authors.lastname: Eling
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.|Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Psychology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Roy P C
authors.initials: RPC
authors.lastname: Kessels
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joseph H R
authors.initials: JHR
authors.lastname: Maes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D055815:Young Adult