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Updated: May 8, 2026
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Investigating the Deployment of Visual Attention Before Accurate and Averaging Saccades via Eye Tracking and Assessment of Visual Sensitivity
Published on: March 18, 2019
Visual selective attention in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Paula M McLaughlin1, Nicole D Anderson2, Jill B Rich1
1Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) show working memory deficits and impaired attention orienting. Auditory cues improve visual search performance in aMCI, suggesting reliance on external guidance.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurology
Background:
- Subtle deficits in visual selective attention are observed in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).
- Limited research exists on visual search and Simon task performance in aMCI, and the impact of auditory cues on these deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate visual selective attention, visual search, and Simon task performance in individuals with aMCI.
- To examine the effects of auditory cues on attention and task performance in aMCI.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen individuals with aMCI and 14 controls completed visual search (alerting, orienting) and Simon tasks.
- Tasks varied in cognitive demand and availability of auditory cues.
Main Results:
- aMCI participants were impaired on the Simon task requiring working memory, but conflict resolution was intact.
- Spatially informative orienting cues improved response times; alerting cues did not.
- Auditory cues significantly benefited aMCI participants in visual search tasks with high orienting demands.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with aMCI exhibit working memory deficits and subtle attention orienting impairments.
- Exogenous auditory information aids attention guidance in aMCI, particularly in demanding visual search scenarios.
