Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2001):

Preserved olfactory cuing of autobiographical memories in old age.

Full Abstract

The authors investigated whether olfactory cues can facilitate memory retrieval and whether they retain their effectiveness in old age. In Phase 1, 57 young and 57 old adults (mean ages of 21 and 84 years, respectively) were asked to recall autobiographical memories associated with each of six cue words. In Phase 2, the same words were presented again with instructions to recall new memories; on this second occasion, half of the words were accompanied by their appropriate odors. Both age groups recalled more than twice as many memories in Phase 2 with the odor than without the odor, providing evidence for substantial olfactory cuing that is remarkably intact in old age.

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Author information

Author/s: Maylor, Elizabeth A (EA); Carter, Sarah M (SM); Hallett, Emma L (EL);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, England. elizabeth.maylor(-atsign-)warwick.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences (J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jan; vol 57 (issue 1) : pp P41-6

Dates: Created 2002/01/04; Completed 2002/03/13; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 11773222, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Age Factors Aged Aged, 80 and over Aging - physiology Autobiography Cues

Cues Female Humans Male Mental Recall Middle Aged Smell - physiology

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