Age-related differences in reallocating cognitive resources when dealing with interruptions

NeuroImage
Stefan ArnauKristina Küper

Abstract

The ability to perform at a high level, even when the task at hand is interrupted by an unrelated secondary task, is central to human information processing. Executive control processes, in particular the reallocation of attentional resources, are crucial for coping with interruptions. Although the age-related decline in cognitive control functions is well described, the consequences of such changes for the ability to deal with interruptions are as of yet unclear. In the present study, we examined behavioral performance as well as electrophysiological parameters associated with executive control processes in older and younger participants using a nested task design: In one third of all trials, an ongoing working memory task was interrupted by a math task. We found that the impact of interruptions on primary task performance was more severe in the older age group. In the EEG, older adults showed stronger frontal midline theta activation and fronto-parietal connectivity in the theta range in response to the cue indicating the relevant attentional set. Younger participants, on the other hand, showed distinct and specific increases in cognitive control as indexed by frontal midline theta in response to the stimulus signaling an upc...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 3, 2020·Human Factors·Kunihiro HasegawaYuji Takeda
Nov 24, 2020·Psychophysiology·Bianca ZickerickDaniel Schneider

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.