A cognitive neuroscience perspective on learning and memory in aging

Learning is intrinsically related to forming long lasting memories. The last decades have seen an explosion in research related to how memories are formed, how they are processed and what their underlying neural substrates are. One of the most noticeable changes associated with aging is a decline in learning and memory abilities. Although there is now a wealth of publications in this area of research, it is nevertheless surprising how much is still unknown about the processes of high level learning in the elderly from a neuroscience perspective. This paper summarizes research from predominantly cognitive neuroscience that focuses on the relation between neural substrates and learning and memory in the healthy elderly (roughly as of 50 years of age). In this context, particular emphasis will be given to research on foreign language learning.