Neuroscience 2000 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 691.1 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Volumetric MRI assessment of cerebellum and associative learning over the adult age span. |
| Authors: |
Woodruff-Pak, D. S.*1,2
; Vogel, R. W.2
; Downey-Lamb, M. M.2
; Goldenberg, G.2
; Boyko, O. B.2
; Lemieux, S. K.2
1Dept of Psychology, Temple Univ, Philadelphia, PA 2Dept of Diagnostic Imaging, Temple Univ School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
I. Neural Basis of Behavior - 102. Cognition: human learning and memory |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | J. Disorders of the Nervous System and Aging<br />- 148. Aging |
| Session: |
691. Cognition: human learning and memory IX Slide |
| Presentation Time: | Wednesday, November 8, 2000 1:00 PM-1:15 PM |
| Location: | Room 395 |
| Keywords: | PAVLOV, PURKINJE CELL, HIPPOCAMPUS*, ALZHEIMER |
The essential role of the cerebellum in eyeblink classical conditioning in non-human mammals is well documented, and in animals we reported high correlations between Purkinje cell number and associative learning. In elderly humans we found a dramatic relationship between cerebellar volume corrected for total cranial volume and conditioned response (CR) percentage. Neither hippocampal nor total cerebral volume correlated with conditioning. In the present study, anatomical (volumetric) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), delay eyeblink conditioning, and neuropsychological testing were carried out in adults ranging in age from 24 to 87 years. The inclusion of younger adult subjects' cerebellar volume and conditioning performance maintained the very strong relationship between cerebellar volume and associative learning (r = .82; p < .005). Because of the magnitude of Purkinje cells and their dendritic arbor, it is likely that the documented smaller volume of the older adult cerebellum is associated with shrinkage of Purkinje cell dendrites and possible Purkinje cell loss. These volumetric MRI results add to the increasing evidence in humans demonstrating a relationship between the integrity of the cerebellum and eyeblink classical conditioning.
Supported by Stern Family Foundation and Alzheimer's Assoc. IIRG-99-1690 (DSW-P)
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2000 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2000. Online.
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