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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Study Protocol

The effect of loss incentives on prospective memory in healthy older adults: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial using ultra-high field fMRI

Authors: Marta Menéndez-Granda, Nadine Schmidt, Michael Orth, Katharina Klink, Sebastian Horn, Matthias Kliegel, Jessica Peter

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Prospective memory is important for our health and independence but declines with age. Hence, interventions to enhance prospective memory, for example by providing an incentive, may promote healthy ageing. The neuroanatomical correlates of prospective memory and the processing of incentive-related prospective memory changes in older adults are not fully understood. In an fMRI study, we will therefore test whether incentives improve prospective memory in older adults and how prospective memory is processed in the brain in general, and when incentives are provided. Since goals and interests change across adulthood, avoiding losses is becoming more important for older adults than achieving gains. We therefore posit that loss-related incentives will enhance prospective memory, which will be subserved by increased prefrontal and midbrain activity.

Methods

We will include n = 60 healthy older adults (60–75 years of age) in a randomized, single-blind, and parallel-group study. We will acquire 7T fMRI data in an incentive group and a control group (n = 30 each, stratified by education, age, and sex). Before and after fMRI, all participants will complete questionnaires and cognitive tests to assess possible confounders (e.g., income, personality traits, sensitivity to reward or punishment).

Discussion

The results of this study will clarify whether loss-related incentives can enhance prospective memory and how any enhancement is processed in the brain. In addition, we will determine how prospective memory is processed in the brain in general. The results of our study will be an important step towards a better understanding of how prospective memory changes when we get older and for developing interventions to counteract cognitive decline.

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Title: The effect of loss incentives on prospective memory in healthy older adults: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial using ultra-high field fMRI
Authors: Marta Menéndez-Granda
Nadine Schmidt
Michael Orth
Katharina Klink
Sebastian Horn
Matthias Kliegel
Jessica Peter
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05229-2

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The effect of loss incentives on prospective memory in healthy older adults: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial using ultra-high field fMRI

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

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