Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
09:13
A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test
Published on: May 16, 2017
12.1K
Does synaesthesia protect against age-related memory loss?
Andy D Mealor1, Julia Simner1, Jamie Ward1
1School of Psychology, Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
Journal of Neuropsychology
|March 31, 2019
Summary
Synaesthesia enhances memory, with this benefit maintained in older adults. However, synaesthesia does not appear to protect against age-related memory decline.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Synaesthesia is associated with enhanced episodic memory in younger adults.
- Brain differences in synaesthesia suggest potential for cognitive reserve.
- This study investigates synaesthesia's role in mitigating age-related memory decline.
Discussion:
- Synaesthesia and age independently affected memory performance.
- Synaesthetes maintained a memory advantage across age groups.
- Synaesthesia did not act as a protective reserve against aging effects on memory.
Key Insights:
- Synaesthetes exhibit superior memory recall compared to non-synaesthetes.
- This memory advantage persists into older age.
- Age-related memory decline impacts both synaesthetes and non-synaesthetes.
Outlook:
- Future research on aging populations should consider synaesthesia as a factor.
- Understanding synaesthesia's impact on cognition across the lifespan is crucial.
- Investigating neural mechanisms underlying synaesthesia and memory is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Line Loss
535
The different configurations of source-load connections include wye (star) and delta connections. The relationship between line and phase voltages and currents varies depending on the configuration. When the source is supplying power, it is transmitted through the wires to the load, and during this transmission, some power is absorbed by the wires, leading to line loss.
Line loss impacts power delivery efficiency in a balanced three-phase circuit. The symmetry in such a circuit simplifies the...
Line loss impacts power delivery efficiency in a balanced three-phase circuit. The symmetry in such a circuit simplifies the...
535
01:18Reducing Line Loss
372
In a three-phase circuit, line loss is an indicator of energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of transmission lines. To address this, incorporating transformers into the system—a step-up transformer at the source and a step-down transformer at the load—is a strategic solution. Two three-phase transformers are introduced to improve this.
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
372
01:23System of Memory
7.3K
Memory is categorized into three major systems: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). These systems differ in their capacity and the duration for which they can hold information. Sensory memory captures raw sensory input from the environment, holding it for just a few seconds or less. For example, on hearing a brief, loud sound, like a car horn honking, the sound seems to linger in the mind for a moment even after it stops. This is an instance of sensory memory...
7.3K
01:24Working Memory
853
Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this...
853
01:26Aging
659
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
659
01:28Major Losses in Pipes
2.0K
When a fluid flows through a pipe, it experiences energy losses due to frictional resistance along the pipe walls, known as major losses. These energy losses result in a pressure drop, which varies based on the flow conditions — whether laminar or turbulent — and the specific physical properties of the fluid and pipe.
Fluid flow can be classified as laminar or turbulent, primarily based on the Reynolds number. This dimensionless number reflects the relative influence of inertial to viscous...
Fluid flow can be classified as laminar or turbulent, primarily based on the Reynolds number. This dimensionless number reflects the relative influence of inertial to viscous...
2.0K