Modulating perceptual complexity and load reveals degradation of the visual working memory network in ageing.

摘要: Previous neuroimaging studies have reported a posterior to anterior shift of activation in ageing (PASA). Here, we explore the nature this by modulating load (1,2 or 3 items) and perceptual complexity two variants visual working memory task (VWM): ‘simple’ color ‘complex’ shape change detection task. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used record changes younger (N=24) older adults (N=24). Older exhibited PASA showing lesser cortex greater when compared adults. Further, they showed reduced accuracy at loads 2 for simple across all complex Activation cortices modulated differently In adults, increasing accompanied decreasing lack modulation cortex, suggesting inability encode and/or maintain representations without much aid from higher-order centers. task, recruited verbal areas that adaptive strategies such as labelling stimuli. This reflecting exert top-down typical VWM improve behavioral performance.