Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8841322 | Neuroscience Letters | 2018 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
Spatial memory and navigation capabilities tend to decline in normal aging, but few studies have assessed the impact of landmarks on route learning in a large-scale environment. The objectives were to examine age-related effects on visuo-spatial working memory capabilities in various environments and to determine the impact of landmarks in navigation skills in normal aging. 42 young women (23.6â¯Â±â¯4.9 years) and 37 older women (70.7â¯Â±â¯4.7 years) with no cognitive impairment have performed three visuo-spatial working memory tests: one in reaching space (computerized Corsi-Block-Tapping test) and two in locomotor navigation space (a condition without landmarks: Virtual Walking Corsi Test and a condition with landmarks: Virtual Room Walking Test). A two-way mixed ANOVA test showed that the young subjects performed better in all conditions than older subjects. The performance in visuo-spatial working memory thus decreases with age. Visuo-spatial working memory performances were identical in reaching and navigation spaces for both groups. The integration of landmarks into a navigational task decreases performance in older women, while this performance is not altered in younger women.
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Neuroscience
Neuroscience (General)
Authors
A. Perrochon, S. Mandigout, S. Petruzzellis, N. Soria Garcia, M. Zaoui, A. Berthoz, J.C. Daviet,