The Effects of Attentional Engagement on Route Learning Performance in a Virtual Environment: An Aging Study.

ABSTRACT: Route learning is a common navigation task affected by cognitive aging. Here we present a novel experimental paradigm to investigate whether age-related declines in executive control of attention contributes to route learning deficits. A young and an older participant group was repeatedly presented with a route through a virtual maze comprised of 12 decision points (DP) and non-decision points (non-DP). To investigate attentional engagement with the route learning task, participants had to respond to auditory probes at both DP and non-DP. Route knowledge was assessed by showing participants screenshots or landmarks from DPs and non-DPs and asking them to indicate the movement direction required to continue the route. Results demonstrate better performance for DPs than for non-DPs and slowe

SUBMITTER: Hartmeyer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5517407 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature