Age differences in neural distinctiveness during memory encoding, retrieval, and reinstatement.

ABSTRACT: Robust evidence points to mnemonic deficits in older adults related to dedifferentiated, i.e. less distinct, neural responses during memory encoding. However, less is known about retrieval-related dedifferentiation and its role in age-related memory decline. In this study, younger and older adults were scanned both while incidentally learning face and house stimuli and while completing a surprise recognition memory test. Using pattern similarity searchlight analyses, we looked for indicators of neural dedifferentiation during encoding, retrieval, and encoding-retrieval reinstatement. Our findings revealed age-related reductions in neural distinctiveness during all memory phases in visual processing regions. Interindividual differences in retrieval- and reinstatement-related distinctiveness

SUBMITTER: Pauley C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10431749 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature