Reduced age differences in semantic memory networks: Evidence from semantically diverse free associations
Abigail L Cosgrove1, Roger E Beaty1, Chaleece W Sandberg1
1The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
Neuropsychologia
|November 23, 2025
Summary
Older adults
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience
- Network science
Background:
- Successful aging involves accumulated knowledge, but its integration into semantic memory is not well understood.
- Previous research indicates older adults may have less efficient semantic networks, particularly for concrete concepts.
- Existing studies often overlook the role of abstract words in semantic memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in semantic memory networks using abstract and concrete word cues.
- To explore how semantic diversity influences network structure across adulthood.
- To determine the role of abstract words in maintaining semantic memory in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized network science to model semantic memory networks derived from free association tasks.
- Included abstract and concrete word cues varying in semantic diversity.
- Applied multiple analytical approaches to compare network characteristics between younger and older adults.
Main Results:
- Including abstract words minimized age-related differences in semantic memory network efficiency.
- Older adults exhibited more interconnected and less segregated semantic networks when abstract words were considered.
- Abstract and semantically diverse words demonstrated stronger connections and greater interconnectedness in semantic networks for all age groups.
Conclusions:
- Abstract and semantically diverse words are crucial for maintaining semantic memory networks in older adults.
- The use of abstract concepts may mitigate age-related declines in semantic network efficiency.
- Semantic memory structure is influenced by word abstractness and semantic diversity across the lifespan.
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