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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.09.17.302083

Cognitive and motor perseveration are associated in older adults

Sombric, C. J.·Torres-Oviedo, G.
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Abstract

Aging causes perseveration (difficulty to switch between actions) in motor and cognitive tasks, suggesting that the same neural processes could govern these abilities in older adults. To test this, we evaluated the relation between independently measured motor and cognitive perseveration in young (21.4{+/-}3.7 y/o) and older participants (76.5{+/-}2.9 y/o). Motor perseveration was measured with a locomotor task in which participants had to transition between distinct walking patterns. Cognitive perseveration was measured with a card matching task in which participants had to switch between distinct matching rules. We found that perseveration in the cognitive and motor domains were positively related in older, but not younger individuals, such that participants exhibiting greater perseveration in the motor task also perseverated more in the cognitive task. Additionally, exposure reduces motor perseveration: older adults who had practiced the motor task could transition between walking patterns as proficiently as naive, young individuals. Our results suggest an overlap in neural processes governing cognitive and motor perseveration with aging and that exposure can counteract the age-related motor perseveration. HighlightsO_LIMovement carryover from the treadmill to overground indicates motor perseveration. C_LIO_LIGreater motor and cognitive perseveration are associated in older adults. C_LIO_LIMotor perseveration in older adults can be reduced with practice. C_LIO_LINew motor memories are similarly forgotten in older and younger adults. C_LI

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Sombric, C. J., Torres-Oviedo, G.. 2020-09-20. Cognitive and motor perseveration are associated in older adults. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.17.302083

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