In the Elderly, Failure to Update Internal Models Leads to Over-Optimistic Predictions about Upcoming Actions

Abstract

Before an action is performed, the brain simulates the body's dynamic behavior in relation to the environment, estimates the possible outcomes and assesses the feasibility of potential actions. Here, we tested a hypothesis whereby age-related changes in sensorimotor abilities result in failure to update internal models of action in the elderly. Young and older adults were required to judge in advance whether or not they could stand on an inclined plane (Experiment 1). Relative to young adults, elderly adults overestimated their postural capabilities: although the two groups made similar feasibility judgments, elderly participants showed significantly worse postural performance levels. This tendency to overestimate their own ability persisted when elderly adults had to not only estimate the feasibility of an action but also endanger themselves by walking towards an obstacle that was too high for them to clear (Experiment 2). An age-related failure to update internal models may prompt the elderly to make over-optimistic predictions about upcoming actions. In turn, this may favor risky motor decision-making and promote falls.

Performance-based assessment of falls risk in older veterans with executive dysfunction

“…Moreover, failure to appropriately identify patients who are at risk for falling likely results in a corresponding failure to implement necessary intervention strategies. Patients may persist in engaging in hazardous activities or maintain exposure to suboptimal environments because they overestimate their abilities or are unaware of the risk to their safety [25]. Altogether, these data emphasize the importance of using performance-based assessments for patients whose risk for falls is associated with executive dysfunction.…”

Self-perceived and actual ability in the functional reach test in patients with Parkinson’s disease

“…an environment and within the context of the individual's capacity) are prerequisites for prospective postural adjustments [8]. Some elderly adults fail to update internal models -prompting them to make over-optimistic predictions about upcoming actions [9]. In turn, this may favor "at risk" motor decision-making, and thus, promote falls [9].…”

“…Some elderly adults fail to update internal models -prompting them to make over-optimistic predictions about upcoming actions [9]. In turn, this may favor "at risk" motor decision-making, and thus, promote falls [9]. This topic has not previously been investigated in patients with PD.…”

Age-Related Changes in Distance From Center of Mass to Center of Pressure During One-Leg Standing

“…In other words, the feed-forward control to brake COM may have not been modified appropriately despite attenuated COM shifting toward the stance leg. Some researchers have reported such phenomena as attenuated online control with age (Coats & Wann, 2012;Lafargue, No€ el, & Luyat, 2013). In addition, feedback control has been considered to be decreased by the diminished sensation with aging (Patel, Magnusson, Kristinsdottir, & Fransson, 2009).…”