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Effects of Aging in Multisensory Integration: A Systematic Review
Alix L de Dieuleveult1, Petra C Siemonsma2, Jan B F van Erp3
1Predictive Health Technologies, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific ResearchLeiden, Netherlands; Perceptual and Cognitive Systems, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific ResearchSoesterberg, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|April 13, 2017
Summary
Older adults (OA) show differences in multisensory integration (MSI) compared to younger adults (YA). While OA utilize more sensory information, they struggle with complex tasks, rapid adaptation, and filtering distractions, impacting independent living.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Sensory processing
Background:
- Multisensory integration (MSI) is vital for daily activities and successful aging.
- Impaired MSI can hinder older adults' (OA) independence and ability to age in place.
- Assessing age-related changes in MSI is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review tests evaluating the impact of aging on MSI in healthy older adults (60+ years) compared to younger adults (YA).
- To identify existing assessment tools for MSI changes related to aging.
- To establish a foundation for developing a clinical toolkit for MSI assessment in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search conducted in Scopus for articles up to January 20, 2016.
- Inclusion criteria: studies comparing MSI in healthy OA and YA, assessing aging effects.
- Risk of bias assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; 49 articles describing 69 tests were included.
Main Results:
- Older adults (OA) tend to use more sensory information than younger adults (YA).
- OA exhibit difficulties in information selection and integration during cognitively demanding, rapidly adapting, or dual-task situations.
- OA are more susceptible to distractors and show impaired sensory information weighting, which is a novel finding.
Conclusions:
- Age-related changes in brain anatomy and information processing partially explain MSI differences between OA and YA.
- Identified tests provide a basis for creating a clinical toolkit to assess MSI in healthy older adults.
- Early detection of MSI deficits is essential for promoting successful aging and maintaining independence.