Increasing memory load modulates regional brain activity in older adults as measured by fMRI.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

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.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Petrella, JR; Townsend, BA; Jha, AP; Ziajko, LA; Slavin, MJ; Lustig, C; Hart, SJ; Doraiswamy, PM

Published Date

  • 2005

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 17 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 75 - 83

PubMed ID

  • 15746486

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0895-0172

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1176/jnp.17.1.75

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States