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Perceptual Integration Compensates for Attention Deficit in Elderly during Repetitive Auditory-Based Sensorimotor
Nikita Frolov1, Elena Pitsik2, Vadim Grubov2
1Laboratory of Dynamics in Biological Systems, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Repetitive auditory sensorimotor tasks enhance brain activity in older adults, suggesting improved perceptual integration. This contrasts with younger adults, who show different neural changes, highlighting age-related plasticity in sensorimotor processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Aging
- Sensory Processing
Background:
- Sensorimotor integration (SI) is crucial for daily function but declines with age.
- Older adults retain neuroplasticity, offering potential for maintaining brain function.
- Understanding modifiable aspects of SI in healthy aging is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if repetitive auditory SI tasks alter neural activity.
- To determine if these effects differ between young and older adults.
- To explore age-related differences in neural plasticity during SI tasks.
Main Methods:
- Whole-brain electroencephalography (EEG) was used in young and healthy older adults.
- Participants repeatedly performed an auditory-cued motor task.
- EEG spectral power and functional connectivity analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- Differential age-related modulation of theta activity was observed during task repetition.
- Elderly adults showed increased anterior theta oscillations and frontotemporal phase-locking.
- Younger adults exhibited increased prestimulus occipital theta power.
Conclusions:
- Short-term repetition of auditory SI tasks modulates sensory processing in the elderly.
- Older adults may improve perceptual integration, while younger adults show different neural adaptations.
- Findings suggest age-specific neuroplasticity in response to sensorimotor training.
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