Age-Related Decline in Associative Learning in Healthy Chinese Adults

Annie Lee,Caroline Kai Yun Wong,Anqi Qiu,Jo Archer,Shen-Hsing Annabel Chen,Emmanuel Andreas Stamatakis

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080648

Abstract

Paired associates learning (PAL) has been widely used in aging-related research, suggesting an age-related decline in associative learning. However, there are several cognitive processes (attention, spatial and recognition memory, strategy, and associative learning) involved in PAL. It is unclear which component contributes to the decline in PAL performance associated with age effects. The present study determines whether age effects on associative learning are independent of other cognitive processes involved in PAL. Using a validated computerized cognitive program (CANTAB), we examined cognitive performance of associative learning, spatial and recognition memory, attention and strategy use in 184 Singaporean Chinese adults aged from 21 to 80 years old. Linear regression revealed significant age-related decline in associative learning, spatial and recognition memory, and the level of strategy use. This age-related decline in associative learning remains even after adjusting for attention, spatial and recognition memory, and strategy use. These results show that age effects on associative learning are independent of other cognitive processes involved in PAL.

Highlights

Visual paired associates learning (PAL) administered with Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) assesses visual memory and new learning
While the test continues to be widely used in aging-related research, it remains largely unknown whether age effects on associative learning are independent of other cognitive processes involved in the visual Paired associates learning (PAL), such as spatial and recognition memory, attention, and strategic process
As spatial recognition memory and pattern recognition memory have been found to be essential in associative learning, complementary tasks such as spatial recognition memory (SRM) and pattern recognition memory (PRM) can be included in the test battery to help isolate the main cause of any deficit in PAL performance [9]

Summary

Introduction

Visual paired associates learning (PAL) administered with Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) assesses visual memory and new learning. The visual CANTAB PAL has been widely used in studying age-related memory decline and early detection of possible dementia [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. It has been employed as an assessment tool to evaluate the effectiveness of new therapies for dementia [8]. While the test continues to be widely used in aging-related research, it remains largely unknown whether age effects on associative learning are independent of other cognitive processes involved in the visual PAL, such as spatial and recognition memory, attention, and strategic process. As spatial recognition memory and pattern recognition memory have been found to be essential in associative learning, complementary tasks such as spatial recognition memory (SRM) and pattern recognition memory (PRM) can be included in the test battery to help isolate the main cause of any deficit in PAL performance [9]

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