The research proposed here is designed to make critical contributions to a comprehensive clinical and experimental program focused on spatial cognition, and to set the stage for further inquiry into important questions about brain-behavior relations. These broad, long-term objectives are reflected in the specific aims of the proposal's two distinct studies. Study 1 aims to provide a carefully controlled lesion-based test of theories proposing that spatial cognition has its neural foundation in temporoparietal regions. It examines the performance of a control group and 3 patient groups (unilateral right hippocampal lesions, unilateral left hippocampal lesions, and parietal lobe lesions) on tasks of spatial cognition. Participants will be tested using a non-immersive desktop virtual environment task and related measures; these have been shown to provide valid and reliable tests of spatial learning, memory, and navigation. Structural neuroimaging and volumetric data will be available for all patients. Study 2 focuses on age-related changes in spatial cognition. It examines individual variability in performance on spatial tasks, asking questions like: Is high intra-individual variability in the performance of older adults on spatial tasks a behavioral indicator of compromised hippocampal functioning? The study will include 3 groups (healthy young adults, healthy older adults, and older adults with age-associated memory impairments). Participants will be tested across 15 occasions on the same apparatus used in Study 1. Extensive neuroanatomical data will be available for all older adults.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH066608-02
Application #
6662643
Study Section
Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes 3 (BBBP)
Program Officer
Desmond, Nancy L
Project Start
2002-09-30
Project End
2004-09-29
Budget Start
2003-09-30
Budget End
2004-09-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$41,608
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Florida
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611