The effect of interference on temporal order memory for random and fixed sequences in nondemented older adults

  1. Paul E. Gilbert1,2,3
  1. 1Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, USA
  2. 2San Diego State University–University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California 92120, USA

    Abstract

    Two experiments tested the effect of temporal interference on order memory for fixed and random sequences in young adults and nondemented older adults. The results demonstrate that temporal order memory for fixed and random sequences is impaired in nondemented older adults, particularly when temporal interference is high. However, temporal order memory for fixed sequences is comparable between older adults and young adults when temporal interference is minimized. The results suggest that temporal order memory is less efficient and more susceptible to interference in older adults, possibly due to impaired temporal pattern separation.

    Footnotes

    • 3 Corresponding author.

      E-mail pgilbert{at}sciences.sdsu.edu.

    • Received February 23, 2012.
    • Accepted April 12, 2012.
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