UT Dallas Researcher Uncovers Complexity of Age-Related Memory Decline

Sabina Srokova, PhD and Michael Rugg, PhD

Researchers from The University of Texas at Dallas Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) have uncovered a nuanced understanding of age-related memory decline, challenging previous assumptions and potentially influencing strategies for preserving cognitive health in older individuals.

Led by Dr. Michael Rugg, CVL director and professor of psychology in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, the study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, reveals that age-related neural dedifferentiation – characterized by a decline in the functional specialization of various brain regions – is driven by multiple mechanisms. The study utilized functional MRI (fMRI) to analyze brain activity patterns in participants viewing images of panoramic scenes and objects. By repeating some images, the researchers could measure brain activity patterns for image categories and individual stimuli. The study involved groups of healthy young and older adults, providing insights into age-related changes.