Event-related potential index of age-related differences in memory processes in adults with Down syndrome

NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING

卷:35

Article

Key, Alexandra P.^1,2  Dykens, Elisabeth M.¹ 

[1] Vanderbilt Kennedy Ctr Res Human Dev, Nashville, TN USA

[2] Vanderbilt Univ, Dept Hearing & Speech Sci, Nashville, TN 37203 USA

关键词: Aging;    Down syndrome;    ERP;    Learning;    Memory;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.07.024

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

A major goal of aging research is to identify early markers of age-related cognitive decline. Persons with Down syndrome (DS) experience accelerated aging and high risks for dementia, making them a valuable albeit understudied model for testing such markers. This study examined event-related potential (ERP) indices of visual memory in younger (19-25 years) and older (35-40 years) adults with DS using a passive viewing paradigm that did not require memorization or behavioral responses. ERPs were recorded in response to unfamiliar urban and nature scenes, with some images presented once and others repeated multiple times. Within 600 to 900 milliseconds after stimulus onset, repeated stimuli elicited more positive amplitudes in younger participants, indicating stimilus recognition. ERPs of older adults did not show such increases, suggesting reduced memory functioning. ERP indices were unrelated to participants' intellectual functioning, but did correlate with age and caregiver-reported lethargy/withdrawal behaviors. Passive ERP measures of memory processes are sensitive to early stages of cognitive decline in DS and are promising markers of cognitive risk for future aging studies. (c) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free