In recent years evidence has accumulated on the association between age-related decline in multisensory temporal processing and postural control. This proposed project aims at examining GABA-mediated inhibition as the potential mechanism behind this link. Our overarching hypothesis is that changes in the excitatory-inhibitory balance with a reduction of GABAergic inhibition is a common mechanism underlying age-related multisensory and postural deficits potentially mediated by age-related reduction in network segregation. To test this hypothesis, we will assess the relationship between age-related multisensory/postural deficits and age-related reduction in GABA concentration in related brain areas and probe the role of GABA-mediated inhibition using cognitive training that specifically targets inhibitory functions. Our multimodal approach is innovative, and findings from this study has the potential to lead to the development of safe and effective rehabilitation protocols for older adults with impaired multisensory temporal integration and postural control.
Age between 65 and 80 (elderly group) and between 20 and 35 (young group)
History of epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
History of head injury with loss of consciousness, brain surgery, or psychiatric disorders
Early dementia or cognitive impairment
Serious vision problems (including best-corrected binocular visual acuity worse than 20/25)