Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test
Published on: May 16, 2017
Differential effects of normal aging on memory for odor-place and object-place associations
Paul E Gilbert1, Eva Pirogovsky, Sally Ferdon
1Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92120, USA. pgilbert@sciences.sdsu.edu
Abstract:
Odor-place and object-place associative memory were compared in healthy older (over the age of 65) and young (18 to 25 years of age) adults. Twelve spatial locations were defined on a tabletop board. Either six odors or six objects were presented one at a time and each was paired with a location on the board. The participant then was presented with each stimulus individually and asked to place it in its paired location. Older adults showed impaired odor-place associative memory but unimpaired object-place memory compared to young adults. Item recognition memory for the individual stimuli or locations used on the associative memory task was similar in both groups. The results suggest that odor-place associative memory is particularly affected by age-related brain changes.
Related Concept Videos
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Role of Hippocampus in Memory

