Spatial navigation is one of the basic abilities that are crucially important for everyday functioning in a complex environment, yet its role in the difficulties experienced by older adults is grossly underestimated. Deficits in spatial navigation are some of the most salient cognitive impairments associated with human aging because of the potential harm to which older adults are exposed, the increased burden placed upon caregivers, and the emotional challenges of decreased autonomy and the need for supervision. Recently, virtual reality (VR) technology has been employed to assess age-related deficits in spatial navigation. The long-term goal of this research is to understand the cognitive and neurobiological processes by which spatial navigation ability declines with age. As a step toward that goal, the proposed research will utilize VR environments to investigate the neural substrates of one component ability of spatial navigation: the computation of path integration by optic flow. The specific goal of this Research Training Proposal is to identify specific factors that contribute to spatial navigational deficits associated with aging. It is expected that these findings will allow for a more complete understanding of the perceptual, cognitive and ultimately the neurological changes that affect this critical aspect of human behavior. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AG025674-02
Application #
7152527
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BDCN-L (29))
Program Officer
Chen, Wen G
Project Start
2005-09-01
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2006-09-01
Budget End
2007-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$39,313
Indirect Cost
Name
Wayne State University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001962224
City
Detroit
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48202