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Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
The impact of age on prefrontal cortex integrity during spatial working memory retrieval
Max Toepper1, Hans J Markowitsch2, Helge Gebhardt3
1Ev. Hospital Bielefeld (EvKB), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bethel, Research Department, Remterweg 69-71, D-33617 Bielefeld, Germany; Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Cognitive Neuroscience at Centre for Psychiatry (CNS@ZPG), Am Steg 28, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
As we age, spatial working memory declines due to reduced brain activation and connectivity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. Better memory performance in older adults correlates with stronger prefrontal activation and connections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Healthy aging is associated with declines in spatial working memory.
- These declines are linked to functional brain changes within the spatial working memory network.
- While prefrontal cortex changes are known, age-related effects on functional connectivity and their behavioral impact are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in brain activation and functional connectivity during spatial working memory retrieval.
- To examine how these neural changes relate to behavioral performance in younger and older adults.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain activity and functional connectivity.
- Participants included 18 younger and 18 older adults.
- Spatial working memory was evaluated using a modified Corsi Block-Tapping test.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited reduced right-hemispheric dorsolateral prefrontal activation compared to younger adults.
- Lower functional connectivity was observed between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex in older individuals.
- Older adults with higher spatial working memory performance showed greater prefrontal activation and connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Age is associated with reduced prefrontal cortex activation during spatial working memory tasks.
- Task-related functional connectivity in older adults appears to be diminished.
- Spatial working memory performance in older adults is linked to activation and connectivity within the right prefrontal cortex.
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