scholarly journals Evidence for Maintained Post-Encoding Memory Consolidation Across the Adult Lifespan Revealed by Network Complexity

Entropy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
McDonough ◽  
Letang ◽  
Erwin ◽  
Kana

Memory consolidation is well known to occur during sleep, but might start immediately after encoding new information while awake. While consolidation processes are important across the lifespan, they may be even more important to maintain memory functioning in old age. We tested whether a novel measure of information processing known as network complexity might be sensitive to post-encoding consolidation mechanisms in a sample of young, middle-aged, and older adults. Network complexity was calculated by assessing the irregularity of brain signals within a network over time using multiscale entropy. To capture post-encoding mechanisms, network complexity was estimated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during rest before and after encoding of picture pairs, and subtracted between the two rest periods. Participants received a five-alternative-choice memory test to assess associative memory performance. Results indicated that aging was associated with an increase in network complexity from pre- to post-encoding in the default mode network (DMN). Increases in network complexity in the DMN also were associated with better subsequent memory across all age groups. These findings suggest that network complexity is sensitive to post-encoding consolidation mechanisms that enhance memory performance. These post-encoding mechanisms may represent a pathway to support memory performance in the face of overall memory declines.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Srokova ◽  
Paul F Hill ◽  
Michael D Rugg

Recent research suggests that episodic memory is associated with systematic differences in the localization of neural activity observed during memory encoding and retrieval. The retrieval-related anterior shift is a phenomenon whereby the retrieval of a stimulus event (e.g., a scene image) is associated with a peak neural response which is localized more anteriorly than the response elicited when the stimulus is experienced directly. Here, we examine whether the magnitude of the anterior shift, i.e., the distance between encoding- and retrieval-related response peaks, is moderated by age, and also whether the shift is associated with memory performance. Younger and older human subjects of both sexes underwent fMRI as they completed encoding and retrieval tasks on word-face and word-scene pairs. We localized peak scene- and face-selectivity for each individual participant within the face-selective precuneus (PCU) and in three scene-selective (parahippocampal place area [PPA], medial place area [MPA], occipital place area [OPA]) regions of interest (ROIs). In line with recent findings, we identified an anterior shift in PPA and OPA in both age groups and, in older adults only, in MPA and PCU also. Of importance, the magnitude of the anterior shift was larger in older than in younger adults. The shift within the PPA exhibited an age-invariant across-participant negative correlation with source memory performance, such that a smaller displacement between encoding- and retrieval-related neural activity was associated with better performance. These findings provide novel insights into the functional significance of the anterior shift, especially in relation to memory decline in older age.


1996 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Bäckman ◽  
Lars-Göran Nilsson

Using data from the first wave of data collection in the Betula project, this research examined semantic memory performance in adulthood and old age (N = 1000). The Betula project is a 10-year longitudinal study on memory and health that involves participants from 10 age groups: 35, 40, 45, …, and 80 years of age. Results from tests of verbal fluency and vocabulary indicated no performance variation between 35 and 50 years of age, followed by a gradual deterioration with increasing age. In a test of general knowledge, only the two oldest cohorts showed deficits. When educational level was statistically controlled, a different pattern of results was seen: the middle-aged adults performed at the highest level and, with the exception of one fluency test, no age-related deficits were observed before 75 years of age. These results suggest that, although there may be age-related deficits in semantic memory in the general population, education appears to be a more important factor than adult age per se for semantic memory functioning. The data support the view that activation of preexisting memory representations is relatively unaffected by the adult aging process, and demonstrate the pivotal role of cultural factors (e.g., education, verbal experience) in proficient semantic memory functioning.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Flaminia Reda ◽  
Maurizio Gorgoni ◽  
Aurora D'Atri ◽  
Serena Scarpelli ◽  
Matteo Carpi ◽  
...  

Sleep has a crucial role in memory processes, and maturational changes in sleep electrophysiology are involved in cognitive development. Albeit both sleep and memory alterations have been observed in Developmental Dyslexia (DD), their relation in this population has been scarcely investigated, particularly concerning topographical aspects. The study aimed to compare sleep topography and associated sleep-related declarative memory consolidation in participants with DD and normal readers (NR). Eleven participants with DD and 18 NR (9–14 years old) underwent a whole-night polysomnography. They were administered a word pair task before and after sleep to assess for declarative memory consolidation. Memory performance and sleep features (macro and microstructural) were compared between the groups, and the intercorrelations between consolidation rate and sleep measures were assessed. DD showed a deeper worsening in memory after sleep compared to NR and reduced slow spindles in occipito-parietal and left fronto-central areas. Our results suggest specific alterations in local sleep EEG (i.e., sleep spindles) and in sleep-dependent memory consolidation processes in DD. We highlight the importance of a topographical approach, which might shed light on potential alteration in regional cortical oscillation dynamics in DD. The latter might represent a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive functioning in DD.


2021 ◽  
pp. 01-10
Author(s):  
Gagik Hakobyan ◽  
Khachik Khachikyan ◽  
Karyna Shoman ◽  
Krasnopeeva Ekaterina ◽  
Mkhitaryan Lilit

Objectives: Purpose of the study evaluation of the cosmetic effect using the "Ajayan" plaster for facial rejuvenation. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in 106 participants with presence of perioral wrinkles of the skin. Participants applied four patches (2 copper and 2 zinc) on the face in the area of wrinkles crosswise according to the instructions. The patches were applied for eight hours every third day for three months. The participants tactilely and visually assessed the effects of the patch for three months. Clinical assessment of treatment results (satisfaction by subject and investigator physician) was performed. The immediate results were assessed 1 month after the course and long-term results at the end of 3 months of observation. Perioral wrinkles were assessed by comparing photographs at the beginning and at the end of the study for each individual case. The efficacy was assessed according to the International Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS Table 1-3) on the 1st (M01), 2nd (M02), 3rd (M03), 6th (M06) month of complex therapy. Visual confirmation of clinical improvement was also obtained by Life Viz 3D camera pictures. Results: After analyzing the photographs taken before and after using the patch (Figure 1-3) and a personal conversation with each participant, the following data were obtained from participants: • a decrease in puffiness and dark circles under the eyes was noted: 6 out of 15 men, 34 out of 91 women; • smoothing of small mimic wrinkles was noted: 24 women out of 106 people; • lifting of the face oval was noted: 14 women out of 106 people. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the GAIS procedure on M03 and M05, 2/3 of patients had significant improvement as assessed by physician and participants according to GAIS (Table 3). Most of the patients also showed significant improvement at visit M12, Table 3. After analyzing the photographs taken before and after the experiment, and a personal conversation with each patient of the cosmetology profile, the following results were obtained: in 38% of patients, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes decreased, in 23% of participants fine facial wrinkles were smoothed, in 12% of participants the oval of the face was tightened. Our results suggest that "Ajanyan" plaster can serve as a novel therapy for controlled skin rejuvenation, effective wrinkles and folds. Conclusion: The results of the studies provide a basis for concluding that the method of skin rejuvenation using electrostimulation method is effective on the clinical manifestations skin. The "Ajayan" plaster has proven its effectiveness through electrical stimulation with low intensity current in patients in different age groups, the study revealed a large number of positive cosmetic effects. Keywords: Wrinkles; Skin rejuvenation; Novel method of electrostimulation


GeroPsych ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 235-244
Author(s):  
Boo Johansson ◽  
Marcus Praetorius Björk ◽  
Valgeir Thorvaldsson

Abstract. In 1987, we administered a subjective memory questionnaire to 143 40-year-old men, and 30 years later 67 of them again responded to the same questionnaire at age 70. At the follow-up, we also instructed participants to answer the questionnaire in the same manner as they thought they did at age 40 and to perform a picture recognition and a public event test. We employed confirmatory factor analysis to model a latent subjective memory construct. A single-factor solution provided acceptable model fit to data (χ2(12) = 9.33, p = .68; χ2(12) = 10.48, p = .57) and a decent reliability at both ages for the subjective memory measurements (omega = .82 and .93, respectively). Our longitudinal invariance testing revealed only a partial weak invariance. We also fitted a latent change-score model to the data. As expected, participants on average rated their memory as poorer at age 70 than at 40. Those who reported better overall health and less anxiety reported less memory decline up to age 70. Notably, this was also the case for those who rated memory as worse at age 40. Higher stress and depression at age 70, however, were associated with worse subjective memory already at age 40. The correspondences between memory ratings and tests were low. The correlation between the subjective memory factors at age 40 and 70 was 0.58, while the correlation between the memory factor at age 70 and the retrospective subjective memory factor was 0.87. Our findings suggest that subjective memory is quite consistent, and that we are inclined to preserve the continuity of our own memory functioning over the adult lifespan.


2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Friedman ◽  
Ray Johnson

A cardinal feature of aging is a decline in episodic memory (EM). Nevertheless, there is evidence that some older adults may be able to “compensate” for failures in recollection-based processing by recruiting brain regions and cognitive processes not normally recruited by the young. We review the evidence suggesting that age-related declines in EM performance and recollection-related brain activity (left-parietal EM effect; LPEM) are due to altered processing at encoding. We describe results from our laboratory on differences in encoding- and retrieval-related activity between young and older adults. We then show that, relative to the young, in older adults brain activity at encoding is reduced over a brain region believed to be crucial for successful semantic elaboration in a 400–1,400-ms interval (left inferior prefrontal cortex, LIPFC; Johnson, Nessler, & Friedman, 2013 ; Nessler, Friedman, Johnson, & Bersick, 2007 ; Nessler, Johnson, Bersick, & Friedman, 2006 ). This reduced brain activity is associated with diminished subsequent recognition-memory performance and the LPEM at retrieval. We provide evidence for this premise by demonstrating that disrupting encoding-related processes during this 400–1,400-ms interval in young adults affords causal support for the hypothesis that the reduction over LIPFC during encoding produces the hallmarks of an age-related EM deficit: normal semantic retrieval at encoding, reduced subsequent episodic recognition accuracy, free recall, and the LPEM. Finally, we show that the reduced LPEM in young adults is associated with “additional” brain activity over similar brain areas as those activated when older adults show deficient retrieval. Hence, rather than supporting the compensation hypothesis, these data are more consistent with the scaffolding hypothesis, in which the recruitment of additional cognitive processes is an adaptive response across the life span in the face of momentary increases in task demand due to poorly-encoded episodic memories.


Author(s):  
A. E. Chernikova ◽  
Yu. P. Potekhina

Introduction. An osteopathic examination determines the rate, the amplitude and the strength of the main rhythms (cardiac, respiratory and cranial). However, there are relatively few studies in the available literature dedicated to the influence of osteopathic correction (OC) on the characteristics of these rhythms.Goal of research — to study the influence of OC on the rate characteristics of various rhythms of the human body.Materials and methods. 88 adult osteopathic patients aged from 18 to 81 years were examined, among them 30 men and 58 women. All patients received general osteopathic examination. The rate of the cranial rhythm (RCR), respiratory rate (RR) heart rate (HR), the mobility of the nervous processes (MNP) and the connective tissue mobility (CTM) were assessed before and after the OC session.Results. Since age varied greatly in the examined group, a correlation analysis of age-related changes of the assessed rhythms was carried out. Only the CTM correlated with age (r=–0,28; p<0,05) in a statistically significant way. The rank dispersion analysis of Kruskal–Wallis also showed statistically significant difference in this indicator in different age groups (p=0,043). With the increase of years, the CTM decreases gradually. After the OC, the CTM, increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001). The RCR varied from 5 to 12 cycles/min in the examined group, which corresponded to the norm. After the OC, the RCR has increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001), the MNP has also increased (p<0,0001). The initial heart rate in the subjects varied from 56 to 94 beats/min, and in 15 % it exceeded the norm. After the OC the heart rate corresponded to the norm in all patients. The heart rate and the respiratory rate significantly decreased after the OC (р<0,0001).Conclusion. The described biorhythm changes after the OC session may be indicative of the improvement of the nervous regulation, of the normalization of the autonomic balance, of the improvement of the biomechanical properties of body tissues and of the increase of their mobility. The assessed parameters can be measured quickly without any additional equipment and can be used in order to study the results of the OC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 200-206

ntroduction: Detection and examination of proper number of lymph nodes in patients after rectal resection is important for next treatment and management of patients with rectal carcinoma. There are no clear guideliness for minimal count of lymph nodes, variant recommendations agree on the number of 12 (10−14) nodes. There are situations, when is not easy to reach this count, mainly in older age groups and in patients after neoadjuvant, especially radiation therapy. As a modality for improvement of lymph nodes harvesting seems to be establishing of defined protocols originally designed for mesorectal excision quality evaluation. Methods: The investigation group was formed by patients examined in 2 three-years intervals before and after implementation of the protocol. Elevation in count of harvested lymph nodes was rated generaly and in relation to age groups and gender. Results: The average count of lymph nodes increased from 10 to 15 nodes, in subset of patients whose received neoadjuvant therapy from 7 to al- most 14 nodes. The recommended number of lymph nodes was obtained in all investigated age groups. By the increased number of lymph nodes, rises also possibility of positive nodes found, that can lead to upstaging of the disease, in subset of patients whose received neoadjuvant therapy it is more than 4%. Conclusion: Our conclusions show, that forming of multidisciplinary cooperative groups (chiefly surgeon-pathologist), implementation of defined protocol of surgery, specimen manipulation and investigation by detached specialists lead to benefit consequences for further management and treatment of the patients with colorectal cancer.


Author(s):  
Nascine Howell ◽  
Lindsey Erin Overhalser ◽  
Abigail Eliza Randall ◽  
Rachael Dillon

A 2x7 between-subject experiment examined the affect of age on people’s perceptions of facial modifications. Researchers instructed participants aged 18-60 to complete two online surveys. One survey contained 10 modified faces (facial piercings and neck tattoos) and the second survey contained 10 non-modified faces. Participants were instructed to look at each face and rate the face using a 5 point Likert scale on five traits: Trustworthiness, Attractiveness, Confidence, Intelligence and Friendliness. Modified faces were rated higher and perceived more positively than the non-modified faces by participants in all age groups. There was an effect of modification on age groups one (18-23 years old), two (24-29 years), five (30-35 years) and six (36-41 years) for the traits Attractiveness and Confidence. These findings suggest people’s perception of strangers’ is influenced by their own age at the time of the encounter and the age of the faces.


Author(s):  
Priyanshu Srivastava ◽  
Rizwan Khan

Today is the era of Cloud Computing Technology in IT Industries. Cloud computing which is based on Internet has the most powerful architecture of computation. It reckons in of a compilation of integrated and networked hardware, software and internet infrastructure. It has various avails atop grid computing and other computing. In this paper, I have given a brief of evaluation of cloud computing by reviewing more than 30 articles on cloud computing. The outcome of this review signalizes the face of the IT industries before and after the cloud computing.


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