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Simple and Complex Rule Induction Performance in Young and Older Adults: Contribution of Episodic Memory and Working Memory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 February 2014

Joukje M. Oosterman ,
Merle S. Boeschoten ,
Paul A.T. Eling ,
Roy P.C. Kessels  and
Joseph H.R. Maes
Joukje M. Oosterman*
Affiliation:
Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Merle S. Boeschoten
Affiliation:
Trudy Bron Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
Paul A.T. Eling
Affiliation:
Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Roy P.C. Kessels
Affiliation:
Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Psychology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Joseph H.R. Maes
Affiliation:
Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Joukje M. Oosterman, Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Montessorilaan 3, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands. E-mail: j.oosterman@donders.ru.nl
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Abstract

This study tested the hypothesis that part of the age-related decline in performance on executive function tasks is due to a decline in episodic memory. For this, we developed a rule induction task in which we manipulated the involvement of episodic memory and executive control processes; age effects and neuropsychological predictors of task performance were investigated. Twenty-six younger (mean age, 24.0; range, 19–35 years) and 27 community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 67.5; range, 50–91 years) participated. The neuropsychological predictors consisted of the performance on tests of episodic memory, working memory, switching, inhibition and flexibility. Performance of the older adults was worse for the learning and memorization of simple rules, as well as for the more demanding executive control condition requiring the manipulation of informational content. Episodic memory was the only predictor of performance on the simple learning and memorization task condition whereas an increase in rule induction complexity additionally engaged working memory processes. Together, these findings indicate that part of the age-related decline on rule induction tests may be the result of a decline in episodic memory. Further studies are needed that examine the role of episodic memory in other executive function tasks in aging. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–9)

Keywords

Executive functionAgingFlexibilityPrefrontal cortexHippocampusDementia
Type
Research Articles
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 20 , Issue 3 , March 2014 , pp. 333 - 341
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2014 

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