Compensatory Strategy Use in Cognitive Ageing: the Role of Attention
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2022-06-30
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en
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Abstract
Ageing is a developmental process including biological, psychological and behavioural changes accumulated over time. With increasing age, cognitive functioning tends to decline. Studies show that learning to use compensatory strategies can compensate for the negative consequences of cognitive decline. Attention is an important condition for learning. However, little research exists investigating the role of attention in learning to use compensatory strategies while ageing. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was twofold. First, we investigated the differences in spontaneous compensatory strategy use between younger and older adults. Second, we examined the attention networks in older adults to investigate whether attention is a prerequisite for spontaneous compensatory strategy use. In our study, 56 healthy participants performed the experimental Virtual Meeting Task (VMT) and the Attention Network test (ANT) to assess spontaneous compensatory strategy use and attentional performances. Results showed no differences in spontaneous compensatory strategy use between younger and older adults. However, we did find that older adults with better attention performances also showed increased compensatory strategy use during the VMT. Our findings indicate the importance of attention for spontaneous compensatory strategy use at a later age.
Keywords: cognitive ageing, attention, compensatory strategy use, ANT, VMT
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen