LAB FUNCTION
CARL serves to explore age-related cognitive decline due to the normal aging process, particularly in the area of episodic memory. Research in this area has shown that memory tends to decline even in relatively healthy older adults. We also know that older adults appear to be even more suseptible, compared to younger adults, to the formation of false memories.
Executive functions, along with variables such as working memory capacity and processing speed, may be more important predictors of cognitive decline than simple chronological age. Similarly, stress-related variables may also be important to consider as stress is thought to consume our limited supply of processing resources available for cognitive control processes.
As people are living longer, healthier lives it becomes increasingly important to understand the mechanisms of memory impairment in normal aging. It is only through this understanding that we can then understand disease processes such as Alzheimer's disease that shares so many features with normal age-related decline.
Currently CARL is investigating the role of stress and various individual differences that lead to increased false recall among older adults.
Research positions are available for graduate and undergraduate students interested in aging and cognition.
Click here if you would like to participate in a study.