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[Relationship between source monitoring in episodic memory and executive function in normal aging]
Mohamad El Haj1, Philippe Allain
1Laboratoire de psychologie des Pays de la Loire (EA 4638), Lunam Université, Université d'Angers.
Summary
Older adults show impaired source monitoring in episodic memory, particularly for external information. This decline is linked to reduced inhibitory control, highlighting its role in age-related memory changes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Age-related decline in episodic memory is often linked to executive dysfunction.
- The specific impact on different types of source monitoring and executive functions remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in source monitoring across different categories (reality, external, internal).
- To determine if specific executive functions (inhibition, flexibility, updating) predict source monitoring decline in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 24 young and 22 older adults using source monitoring tasks (reality, external, internal) and executive function tests (inhibition, flexibility, updating).
- Participants were healthy and matched for sex and vocabulary level.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited poorer source monitoring compared to younger adults.
- The decline was most significant in external monitoring.
- Inhibitory control performance predicted external monitoring deficits in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Source monitoring deficits in older adults are not uniform across all categories.
- Inhibitory processes play a crucial role in age-related source monitoring decline.
- Targeting inhibition may be a strategy to mitigate memory impairments in aging.
