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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
10:38
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Cognitive aging and increased distractibility: costs and potential benefits
M Karl Healey1, Karen L Campbell, Lynn Hasher
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada.
Progress in Brain Research
|April 9, 2008
Summary
Older adults struggle with distraction due to impaired inhibitory control, affecting cognitive function. However, this distractibility can be beneficial when previously irrelevant information becomes important.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Psychology
Background:
- Age-related cognitive changes often involve difficulties with inhibition.
- Impaired inhibitory processes contribute to older adults' susceptibility to distraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on how impaired inhibition affects older adults' susceptibility to distraction.
- To explore the dual nature of distractibility (cost or benefit) in aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on inhibitory control and distraction in aging.
- Analysis of cognitive performance differences between older and younger adults.
Main Results:
- Older adults are disproportionately hindered by distraction when it interferes with tasks.
- Older adults demonstrate a benefit when previously distracting information becomes relevant, unlike younger adults.
Conclusions:
- Impaired inhibitory function in older adults leads to heightened distractibility.
- Distractibility in older adults can be context-dependent, presenting both detriments and advantages.
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