Age-Related Changes in Hemispherical Specialization for Attentional Networks.
Maria Casagrande1, Francesca Agostini2, Francesca Favieri2
1Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica, Clinica e Salute, Università di Roma Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Aging impairs cognitive functions, particularly attentional processes and executive functions. This study found reduced hemispheric asymmetry in older adults
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive functions, including attention and executive functions, decline in healthy older adults.
- Attentional networks (alerting, orienting, executive control) exhibit hemispheric lateralization in adults, potentially influencing network efficiency.
- Understanding age-related changes in hemispheric specialization is crucial for cognitive aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in the hemispheric specialization of attentional networks.
- To analyze the efficiency and interactions among attentional networks across different age groups using a lateralized task.
Main Methods:
- A lateralized version of the Attentional Network Test for Interaction (ANTI)-Fruit was administered.
- 171 participants were divided into three age groups: youth (20-30 years), adults (31-64 years), and elderly/older adults (65-87 years).
- Behavioral data on attentional network performance and interactions were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study confirmed previous findings regarding the efficiency and interactions among attentional networks.
- A generalized age-related slowing in performance was observed across all participants.
- Evidence suggests a reduction in hemispheric asymmetry in elderly/older adults.
Conclusions:
- Attentional network efficiency and interactions are generally preserved in aging, though overall processing speed decreases.
- The findings support the hypothesis of reduced hemispheric asymmetry in the aging brain.
- This suggests potential shifts in neural processing strategies with advancing age.
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