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The Impact of Ageing on Episodic Memory Retrieval: How Valence Influences Neural Functional Connectivity
Marianna Constantinou1, Anna Pecchinenda2, Hana Burianová3
1Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH12 5BB, UK.
Neurosci
|November 25, 2024
Summary
Older adults show altered brain connectivity affecting emotional memory retrieval. While young adults’ memory benefits from negative stimuli, older adults’ memory is preserved by positive stimuli, suggesting age-related neural adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Episodic memory decline in aging is associated with brain structural and functional changes.
- Emotional stimuli can modulate memory performance and brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how age-related brain alterations influence functional connectivity during episodic memory retrieval after emotional stimulus exposure.
- To examine age-group differences in brain responses and connectivity patterns following positive, negative, and neutral emotional stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity.
- Multivariate Pattern Analysis (MVPA) to identify age-group specific brain regions.
- Seed-Based Connectivity (SBC) analyses to assess functional connectivity.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited age-related memory performance decline after negative stimuli but preserved performance after positive stimuli.
- Young adults showed increased functional connectivity following negative emotional stimuli.
- Older adults displayed less frequent increased connectivity, primarily after positive emotional stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Emotional valence differentially impacts memory performance and functional connectivity in young versus older adults.
- Age-related changes in functional connectivity may mediate the influence of emotions on memory.
- Findings suggest the need for tailored memory support strategies for older adults, considering emotional influences.
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