Spatial Working Memory in Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Effects of Task Load and Contextual Cueing

ABSTRACT

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is characterized by episodic memory deficits, while aspects of working memory may also be implicated, but studies into this latter domain are scarce and results are inconclusive. Using a computerized search paradigm, this study compares 25 young adults, 25 typically aging older adults and 15 amnestic MCI patients as to their working-memory capacities for object-location information and potential differential effects of memory load and additional context cues. An age-related deficit in visuospatial working-memory maintenance was found that became more pronounced with increasing task demands. The MCI group additionally showed reduced maintenance of bound information, i.e., object-location associations, again especially at elevated memory load. No effects of contextual cueing were found. The current findings indicate that working memory should be considered when screening patients for suspected MCI and monitoring its progression.

Keywords:

• Mild cognitive impairment
• Working memory
• Episodic buffer
• Dementia
• Aging
• Visuospatial sketchpad

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Judith Rutte, Annerieke de Dood, Ilja Klabbers and Myrthe Dekkers for their assistance in recruiting and examining the participants. We also thank Hanneke Meulenbroek-van der Meulen for her detailed comments on the language use in the draft of the revised manuscript. This study was funded by a VIDI innovational grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO, no. 452-08-005), awarded to RPCK.