Aging can affect memory, and a recent study delves into the reasons behind varying memory declines in older adults.
The newest research highlights that difficulties in learning among some seniors may be linked to neural representations in the hippocampus.
Let's see how it was discovered.
How it works
Scientists claim that the findings could aid in predicting early-stage dementia-related memory decline.
The study builds on previous research in rats, observing "place cells" in the hippocampus that help build mental representations of spaces.
Older rats had challenges in remapping for different places and environments, indicating inferior spatial memory performance.
The study involved 25 younger and 22 older healthy adults participating in a virtual reality experiment.
Brain scans done with functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that seniors showed less differentiation between neural representations for different environments compared to younger adults.
It's important to know
Scientists identified an age-independent factor affecting memory retention, showing that distinct neurons in the hippocampus serve different functions.
The research also highlighted an age-dependent factor, linking reductions in the quality of input into the hippocampus with age and worse spatial memory.
The new information contributes valuable insights into predicting memory decline in dementia and could guide future research using immersive virtual reality experiments.
Previously, we've talked about brain damage and recovery.
