Multitasking and Aging: Electrophysiological and Behavioral Insights

This study explores the underestimated yet compelling phenomenon of multitasking, specifically, dual-task interference (DTi) in older adults through electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral data. DTi refers to the reduction in performance when individuals engage in two tasks simultaneously compared to performing each task separately. The experimental task included two conditions: a single condition with image encoding and a dual condition with image and auditory encoding. Additionally, screening tests assessing global cognitive functions and cognitive reserve were administered. The primary focus was identifying patterns of neural activity associated with t the cost incurred, measured as a reduction in performance metrics between single-task and dual-task conditions. Moreover, the study aimed to determine if cost varied across scores on cognitive screening tests and age. Preliminary findings suggest that the MEMO task successfully elicited DTi in older adults, evidenced by a decreased significant difference in performance in the dual-task condition compared to single-task conditions. Moreover, the EEG data revealed event-related potentials (ERPs) during the experimental task, indicating distinct neural signatures linked to the different task conditions. Neural activity recorded during encoding was interpreted in the framework of subsequent memory effects, however, no behavioral interaction was found.