Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 549.8 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Functional MRI and visual attention networks: Aging and compensatory BOLD activation using a divided attention task. |
| Authors: |
Jacobson, M. W.*1
; Archibald, S. L.
; Fennema-Notestine, C.
; Levine, C. M.
; Reyes, J. P.
; Delis, D.1
; Jernigan, T.
; Salmon, D.
1Veterans Affairs Med. Ctr San Diego, San Diego, CA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Human Cognition, Behavior, and Anatomy -- Cognitive aging |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Human Cognition, Behavior, and Anatomy<br />-- Attention |
| Session: |
549. Cognitive Aging II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, October 25, 2004 4:00 PM-5:00 PM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # KK26 |
| Keywords: | FUNCTIONAL MRI, AGING, ATTENTION, VISUAL PERCEPTION |
Prior research has shown age-related declines in performance of many complex attentional tasks. Prior neuroimaging studies suggest that increased cognitive task demands and/or reduced processing efficiency in the elderly are often associated with compensatory recruitment of additional brain regions associated with that task. We investigated age-related changes in blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activation using a FMRI divided attention task. A healthy elderly group (ages 65-80)and a younger control group (21-35) were compared on a task requiring shifting of visuospatial attention between global and local levels of complex Navon-type stimuli. Participants identified 4 target numbers that switched between global and local levels at pseudorandom intervals. When comparing this attention-shifting condition to a control condition with sustained visual scanning, a whole-brain analysis indicated BOLD activation in both groups in the visual attention network. These regions included prefrontal and mid-frontal cortex, bilateral inferior and superior parietal regions, thalamus and bilateral occipitotemporal cortex. A direct comparison of younger and older groups shows that the elderly group had slower reaction times but equivalent accuracy, but with larger regions of BOLD activation. The elderly group showed greater activation relative to younger controls in left hemisphere regions of occipitotemporal and inferior parietal lobe. Additionally, the elderly group had greater activation in regions of right medial frontal, precuneus and thalamus. This more extensive BOLD activation in the elderly group suggests recruitment of additional brain regions, and may represent a compensatory response associated with aging in the visual attention network.
Supported by VA Career Dev. Award
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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