Portuguese neuroradiologist intends to deepen the understanding of cognitive changes associated with aging.
“Social memory and respective neural substrate in aging” It is a project that presents itself as an innovative and pioneer, in the field of social memory in the elderly.
The study is from a Portuguese: Torcato Meira, Neurorradiologist at ULS Braga, who wants to deepen the understanding of cognitive changes associated with aging – With special focus on social memory of the elderly.
It is pioneering because, to analyze social memory in the elderly, it uses a “Revolutionary task” what simulates social interactions in a virtual environmentread in a statement sent to ZAP.
This study enables a dynamic and in -depth analysis of how individuals process and retain social information.
It stands out because it uses a unique task, adapted to the Portuguese population.
In this analysis images of magnetic resonance imaging, that allow to monitor the activity of the hippocampus During the interaction of participants with virtual characters, measuring the volume of the hippocampus and the load of lesions in the white substance of the brain.
The central hypothesis is that the social memory deteriorates with the advancement of agebeing possibly associated with atrophy e hippocampus dysfunctionas well as the Changes in the White Misuse.
This investigation also wants to evaluate if the use of antidepressants – Specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – can alleviate The loss of social memory function.
“Our study aims to fill a critical gap in scientific knowledge about social memory in the elderly, using an innovative approach based on a Game -shaped task. We hope that the results can contribute to the early identification of social cognitive changes and substantiate new strategies for tracking and preventing any dysfunction, thus improving the quality of life of the elderly, ”describes the guardian Torcato Meira.
The study received the MSD Health Research Award.
