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Implicit Learning in Aging: Extant Patterns and New Directions

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Abstract

Research suggests that the striatum plays an important role in implicit learning (IL). The striatum exhibits marked age-related morphological and neurochemical losses. Yet, behavioral studies suggest that IL is generally well preserved in old age, and that age-related differences emerge only when highly complex IL tasks are used. In this review, we integrate behavioral and neuroimaging evidence on IL in aging. We suggest that relative stability of IL in old age may reflect neural reorganization that compensates for age-related losses in striatal functions. Specifically, there may be an age-related increase in reliance on extrastriatal regions (e.g., medial-temporal, frontal) during IL. This reorganization of function may be beneficial under less taxing performance conditions, but not when task demands become more challenging.

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Acknowledgements

Preparation of this article was supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council and Swedish Brain Power, and an Alexander von Humboldt Research Award to Lars Bäckman, and a studentship from the Leverhulme Trust to Anna Rieckmann.

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  1. Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute, Gävlegatan 16, 113 30, Stockholm, Sweden

    Anna Rieckmann & Lars Bäckman

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Correspondence to Anna Rieckmann.

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Rieckmann, A., Bäckman, L. Implicit Learning in Aging: Extant Patterns and New Directions. Neuropsychol Rev 19, 490–503 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-009-9117-y

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