Differences in the Functional Neuroanatomy of Inhibitory Control Across the Adult Life Span

Authors

Kristy A. Nielson, Marquette UniversityFollow
Scott Aaron Langenecker, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Hugh Garavan, Marquette University

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

16 p.

Publication Date

3-2002

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Source Publication

Psychology and Aging

Source ISSN

0882-7974

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1037/0882-7974.17.1.56

Abstract

Inhibitory control, the ability to suppress irrelevant stimuli, is a fundamental cognitive function that deteriorates during aging, but little is understood about the bases of decline. Thus, we used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study inhibitory control in healthy adults aged 18 to 78. Activation during "successful inhibition" occurred predominantly in right prefrontal and parietal regions and was more extensive, bilaterally, and prefrontally, in the older groups. Presupplementary motor area was also more active in poorer inhibitory performers. Therefore, older adults activate areas that are comparable to those activated by young adults during inhibition, as well as additional regions. The results are consistent with a compensatory interpretation and extend the aging neuroimaging literature into the cognitive domain of inhibition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Comments

Accepted version. Psychology and Aging, Vol. 17, No. 1 (March 2002): 56-71. DOI. © 2002 American Psychological Association. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Nielson, Kristy A.; Langenecker, Scott Aaron; and Garavan, Hugh, "Differences in the Functional Neuroanatomy of Inhibitory Control Across the Adult Life Span" (2002). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 135.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/135