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Although the adult brain retains considerable plasticity (see Journal Watch Psychiatry Jul 16 2007), little is known about how the loss of brain cells affects thinking in older adults. In this study, investigators used functional MRI (fMRI) during an incentive task to see how 12 normal, younger subjects (age range, 19–27) and 12 normal, older subjects (age range, 65–81) anticipate gains and losses when making financial decisions.
To win, subjects had to respond quickly to presented cues. Before each cue was presented, they were advised about the stakes — a win with a quick response or a loss with a too-slow response, plus the amount involved (nothing, 50 cents, or $5). Subjects recorded their emotional responses to the anticipated gain or lo…