The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes, volume II

The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes, volume II

Author: Jeannette R. Mahoney

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2024-01-25

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 2832542824

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Given the success of the previous edition of this Research Topic, we are pleased to announce the release of its second volume. Age-related changes can concurrently affect cognitive, motor, and sensory functioning and their interactions. For instance, age-related unisensory impairments have been linked to slower gait, functional mobility decline, increased risks of falls and reduced quality of life. Additionally, balance impairments have been associated with inefficient interactions between musculoskeletal and sensory systems which are often compromised in aging. Lastly, inefficient multisensory integration processes have been linked to increased falls, worse balance, slower gait, and increased cognitive impairments. Consequently, the successful interaction among sensory, motor and cognitive systems are an integral aspect for everyday life activities, which commonly deteriorate with age.


Book Synopsis The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes, volume II by : Jeannette R. Mahoney

Download or read book The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes, volume II written by Jeannette R. Mahoney and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2024-01-25 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Given the success of the previous edition of this Research Topic, we are pleased to announce the release of its second volume. Age-related changes can concurrently affect cognitive, motor, and sensory functioning and their interactions. For instance, age-related unisensory impairments have been linked to slower gait, functional mobility decline, increased risks of falls and reduced quality of life. Additionally, balance impairments have been associated with inefficient interactions between musculoskeletal and sensory systems which are often compromised in aging. Lastly, inefficient multisensory integration processes have been linked to increased falls, worse balance, slower gait, and increased cognitive impairments. Consequently, the successful interaction among sensory, motor and cognitive systems are an integral aspect for everyday life activities, which commonly deteriorate with age.

The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes

The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes

Author: Jeannette R. Mahoney

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2022-10-07

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 2832501885

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Book Synopsis The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes by : Jeannette R. Mahoney

Download or read book The Intersection of Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Processing in Aging: Links to Functional Outcomes written by Jeannette R. Mahoney and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2022-10-07 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Changes in Sensory Motor Behavior in Aging

Changes in Sensory Motor Behavior in Aging

Author: A.-M. Ferrandez

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 1995-12-11

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13: 0080528848

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Recently, studies on aging processes and age-related changes in behavior have been expanding considerably, probably due to the dramatic changes observed in the demographics. This increase in the overall age and proportion of elderly people has heightened the severity of problems associated with the safety and well-being of elderly persons in everyday life. Many researchers working on motor control have thus focused more intensely on the effects of age on motor control. This new avenue of research has led to programs for alleviating or delaying the specific sensory-motor limitations encountered by the elderly (e.g. falls) in an attempt to make the elderly more autonomous. The aggregation of studies from different perspectives is often fascinating, especially when the same field can serve as a common ground between researchers. Nearly all contributors to this book work on sensory-motor aging; they represent a large range of affiliations and backgrounds including psychology, neurobiology, cognitive sciences, kinesiology, neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, motor performance, physical therapy, exercise science, and human development. Addressing age-related behavioral changes can also furnish some crucial reflections in the debate about motor coordination: aging is the product of both maturational and environmental processes, and studies on aging must determine how the intricate interrelationships between these processes evolve. The study of aging makes it possible to determine how compensatory mechanisms, operating on different subsystems and each aging at its own rate, compensate for biological degenerations and changing external demands. This volume will contribute to demonstrating that the study of the aging process raises important theoretical questions.


Book Synopsis Changes in Sensory Motor Behavior in Aging by : A.-M. Ferrandez

Download or read book Changes in Sensory Motor Behavior in Aging written by A.-M. Ferrandez and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 1995-12-11 with total page 407 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recently, studies on aging processes and age-related changes in behavior have been expanding considerably, probably due to the dramatic changes observed in the demographics. This increase in the overall age and proportion of elderly people has heightened the severity of problems associated with the safety and well-being of elderly persons in everyday life. Many researchers working on motor control have thus focused more intensely on the effects of age on motor control. This new avenue of research has led to programs for alleviating or delaying the specific sensory-motor limitations encountered by the elderly (e.g. falls) in an attempt to make the elderly more autonomous. The aggregation of studies from different perspectives is often fascinating, especially when the same field can serve as a common ground between researchers. Nearly all contributors to this book work on sensory-motor aging; they represent a large range of affiliations and backgrounds including psychology, neurobiology, cognitive sciences, kinesiology, neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, motor performance, physical therapy, exercise science, and human development. Addressing age-related behavioral changes can also furnish some crucial reflections in the debate about motor coordination: aging is the product of both maturational and environmental processes, and studies on aging must determine how the intricate interrelationships between these processes evolve. The study of aging makes it possible to determine how compensatory mechanisms, operating on different subsystems and each aging at its own rate, compensate for biological degenerations and changing external demands. This volume will contribute to demonstrating that the study of the aging process raises important theoretical questions.

Cognitive Aging

Cognitive Aging

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2015-07-21

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 0309368650

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For most Americans, staying "mentally sharp" as they age is a very high priority. Declines in memory and decision-making abilities may trigger fears of Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. However, cognitive aging is a natural process that can have both positive and negative effects on cognitive function in older adults - effects that vary widely among individuals. At this point in time, when the older population is rapidly growing in the United States and across the globe, it is important to examine what is known about cognitive aging and to identify and promote actions that individuals, organizations, communities, and society can take to help older adults maintain and improve their cognitive health. Cognitive Aging assesses the public health dimensions of cognitive aging with an emphasis on definitions and terminology, epidemiology and surveillance, prevention and intervention, education of health professionals, and public awareness and education. This report makes specific recommendations for individuals to reduce the risks of cognitive decline with aging. Aging is inevitable, but there are actions that can be taken by individuals, families, communities, and society that may help to prevent or ameliorate the impact of aging on the brain, understand more about its impact, and help older adults live more fully and independent lives. Cognitive aging is not just an individual or a family or a health care system challenge. It is an issue that affects the fabric of society and requires actions by many and varied stakeholders. Cognitive Aging offers clear steps that individuals, families, communities, health care providers and systems, financial organizations, community groups, public health agencies, and others can take to promote cognitive health and to help older adults live fuller and more independent lives. Ultimately, this report calls for a societal commitment to cognitive aging as a public health issue that requires prompt action across many sectors.


Book Synopsis Cognitive Aging by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book Cognitive Aging written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2015-07-21 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For most Americans, staying "mentally sharp" as they age is a very high priority. Declines in memory and decision-making abilities may trigger fears of Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. However, cognitive aging is a natural process that can have both positive and negative effects on cognitive function in older adults - effects that vary widely among individuals. At this point in time, when the older population is rapidly growing in the United States and across the globe, it is important to examine what is known about cognitive aging and to identify and promote actions that individuals, organizations, communities, and society can take to help older adults maintain and improve their cognitive health. Cognitive Aging assesses the public health dimensions of cognitive aging with an emphasis on definitions and terminology, epidemiology and surveillance, prevention and intervention, education of health professionals, and public awareness and education. This report makes specific recommendations for individuals to reduce the risks of cognitive decline with aging. Aging is inevitable, but there are actions that can be taken by individuals, families, communities, and society that may help to prevent or ameliorate the impact of aging on the brain, understand more about its impact, and help older adults live more fully and independent lives. Cognitive aging is not just an individual or a family or a health care system challenge. It is an issue that affects the fabric of society and requires actions by many and varied stakeholders. Cognitive Aging offers clear steps that individuals, families, communities, health care providers and systems, financial organizations, community groups, public health agencies, and others can take to promote cognitive health and to help older adults live fuller and more independent lives. Ultimately, this report calls for a societal commitment to cognitive aging as a public health issue that requires prompt action across many sectors.

Aging and Dementia

Aging and Dementia

Author: Erik Johan Anton Scherder

Publisher: VU Uitgeverij

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 9086595618

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Drawing on the most current research, this study is the perfect companion for those who work alongside elderly people with and without dementia. The book explains why changes in cognition, motor skills, and pain are typical for the elderly while describing the most prevalent subtypes of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Focusing on the motor skills of hand motor activity and gait, the study also illustrates changes in the various aspects of pain experience, explaining them clearly through the use of neuropathology of the medial and lateral pain systems. Updates concerning compensation and rehabilitation are also included.


Book Synopsis Aging and Dementia by : Erik Johan Anton Scherder

Download or read book Aging and Dementia written by Erik Johan Anton Scherder and published by VU Uitgeverij. This book was released on 2011 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drawing on the most current research, this study is the perfect companion for those who work alongside elderly people with and without dementia. The book explains why changes in cognition, motor skills, and pain are typical for the elderly while describing the most prevalent subtypes of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Focusing on the motor skills of hand motor activity and gait, the study also illustrates changes in the various aspects of pain experience, explaining them clearly through the use of neuropathology of the medial and lateral pain systems. Updates concerning compensation and rehabilitation are also included.

Motor Control and Sensory-Motor Integration

Motor Control and Sensory-Motor Integration

Author: D.J. Glencross

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 1995-11-02

Total Pages: 442

ISBN-13: 9780080537009

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This volume evolved from a workshop which addressed the general area of motor control, and the broader problems of serial organisation and sensory-motor integration of human skills. A number of specific issues are highlighted, including the neural mechanisms and disabilities of sensory-motor integration, planning and programming of action, the dynamics of interlimb coordination, amendment and updating mechanisms, and in particular, perception-action coupling and the representation of action. Underlying much of the volume are the major theoretical issues which include the debate between computational and prescriptive approaches versus the emergent properties and system dynamics approaches. The book represents a diverse approach from such disciplines as psychology, electrical and mechanical engineering, human movement studies, physiotherapy, neurology, and kinesiology.


Book Synopsis Motor Control and Sensory-Motor Integration by : D.J. Glencross

Download or read book Motor Control and Sensory-Motor Integration written by D.J. Glencross and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 1995-11-02 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume evolved from a workshop which addressed the general area of motor control, and the broader problems of serial organisation and sensory-motor integration of human skills. A number of specific issues are highlighted, including the neural mechanisms and disabilities of sensory-motor integration, planning and programming of action, the dynamics of interlimb coordination, amendment and updating mechanisms, and in particular, perception-action coupling and the representation of action. Underlying much of the volume are the major theoretical issues which include the debate between computational and prescriptive approaches versus the emergent properties and system dynamics approaches. The book represents a diverse approach from such disciplines as psychology, electrical and mechanical engineering, human movement studies, physiotherapy, neurology, and kinesiology.

Brain Networks in Aging: Reorganization and Modulation by Interventions

Brain Networks in Aging: Reorganization and Modulation by Interventions

Author: Junfeng Sun

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2018-02-22

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 2889454169

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Old adults undertake multiple reduced cognitive abilities in aging, which are accompanied with specific brain reorganization in forms of regional brain activity and brain tissues, inter-region connectivity, and topology of whole brain networks in both function and structure. The plasticity changes of brain activities in old adults are explained by the mechanisms of compensation and dedifferentiation. For example, older adults have been observed to have greater, usually bilateral, prefrontal activities during memory tasks compared to the typical unilateral prefrontal activities in younger adults, which was explained as a compensation for the reduced brain activities in visual processing cortices. Dedifferentiation is another mechanism to explain that old adults are with much less selective and less distinct activity in task-relevant brain regions compared with younger adults. A larger number of studies have examined the plasticity changes of brain from the perspective of regional brain activities. However, studies on only regional brain activities cannot fully elucidate the neural mechanisms of reduced cognitive abilities in aging, as multiple regions are integrated together to achieve advanced cognitive function in human brain. In recent years, brain connectivity/network, which targets how brain regions are integrated, have drawn increasing attention in neuroscience with the development of neuroimaging techniques and graph theoretical analysis. Connectivity quantifies functional association or neural fibers between two regions that may be spatially far separated, and graph theoretical analysis of brain network examines the complex interactions among multiple regions from the perspective of topology. Studies showed that compared to younger adults, older adults had altered strength of task-relevant functional connectivity between specific brain regions in cognitive tasks, and the alternation of connectivity are correlated to behavior performance. For example, older adults had weaker functional connectivity between the premotor cortex and a region in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a working memory task. Interventions like cognitive training and neuro-modulation (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation) have been shown to be promising in regaining or retaining the decreasing cognitive abilities in aging. However, only few neuroimaging studies have examined the influence of interventions to old adult’s brain activity, connectivity, and cognitive performance. This Research Topic calls for contributions on brain network of subjects in normal aging or with age-related diseases like mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The studies are expected to be based on neuroimaging techniques including but not limited to functional magnetic resonance imaging, Electroencephalography, and diffusion tensor imaging, and contributions on the influence of interventions to brain networks in aging are highly encouraged. All these studies would enrich our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying aging, and offer new insights for developing possible interventions to retain cognitive abilities in aging subjects.


Book Synopsis Brain Networks in Aging: Reorganization and Modulation by Interventions by : Junfeng Sun

Download or read book Brain Networks in Aging: Reorganization and Modulation by Interventions written by Junfeng Sun and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2018-02-22 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Old adults undertake multiple reduced cognitive abilities in aging, which are accompanied with specific brain reorganization in forms of regional brain activity and brain tissues, inter-region connectivity, and topology of whole brain networks in both function and structure. The plasticity changes of brain activities in old adults are explained by the mechanisms of compensation and dedifferentiation. For example, older adults have been observed to have greater, usually bilateral, prefrontal activities during memory tasks compared to the typical unilateral prefrontal activities in younger adults, which was explained as a compensation for the reduced brain activities in visual processing cortices. Dedifferentiation is another mechanism to explain that old adults are with much less selective and less distinct activity in task-relevant brain regions compared with younger adults. A larger number of studies have examined the plasticity changes of brain from the perspective of regional brain activities. However, studies on only regional brain activities cannot fully elucidate the neural mechanisms of reduced cognitive abilities in aging, as multiple regions are integrated together to achieve advanced cognitive function in human brain. In recent years, brain connectivity/network, which targets how brain regions are integrated, have drawn increasing attention in neuroscience with the development of neuroimaging techniques and graph theoretical analysis. Connectivity quantifies functional association or neural fibers between two regions that may be spatially far separated, and graph theoretical analysis of brain network examines the complex interactions among multiple regions from the perspective of topology. Studies showed that compared to younger adults, older adults had altered strength of task-relevant functional connectivity between specific brain regions in cognitive tasks, and the alternation of connectivity are correlated to behavior performance. For example, older adults had weaker functional connectivity between the premotor cortex and a region in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a working memory task. Interventions like cognitive training and neuro-modulation (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation) have been shown to be promising in regaining or retaining the decreasing cognitive abilities in aging. However, only few neuroimaging studies have examined the influence of interventions to old adult’s brain activity, connectivity, and cognitive performance. This Research Topic calls for contributions on brain network of subjects in normal aging or with age-related diseases like mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The studies are expected to be based on neuroimaging techniques including but not limited to functional magnetic resonance imaging, Electroencephalography, and diffusion tensor imaging, and contributions on the influence of interventions to brain networks in aging are highly encouraged. All these studies would enrich our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying aging, and offer new insights for developing possible interventions to retain cognitive abilities in aging subjects.

Cognitive Aging

Cognitive Aging

Author: Denise Park

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 1135887519

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As our society ages, the topic of cognitive aging is becoming increasingly important. This volume provides an accessible overview of how the cognitive system changes as a function of normal aging. Building on the successful first edition, this volume provide an even more comprehensive coverage of the major issues affecting memory, attention, language, speech and other aspects of cognitive functioning. The essential chapters from the first edition have been thoroughly revised and updated and new chapters have been introduced which draw in neuroscience studies and more applied topics. In addition, contributors were encouraged to ensure their chapters are accessible to students studying the topic for the first time. This therefore makes the volume appealing as a textbook on senior undergraduate and graduate courses.


Book Synopsis Cognitive Aging by : Denise Park

Download or read book Cognitive Aging written by Denise Park and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As our society ages, the topic of cognitive aging is becoming increasingly important. This volume provides an accessible overview of how the cognitive system changes as a function of normal aging. Building on the successful first edition, this volume provide an even more comprehensive coverage of the major issues affecting memory, attention, language, speech and other aspects of cognitive functioning. The essential chapters from the first edition have been thoroughly revised and updated and new chapters have been introduced which draw in neuroscience studies and more applied topics. In addition, contributors were encouraged to ensure their chapters are accessible to students studying the topic for the first time. This therefore makes the volume appealing as a textbook on senior undergraduate and graduate courses.

Cognitive-Motor Integration In Normal Aging And Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease

Cognitive-Motor Integration In Normal Aging And Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease

Author: Kara-Lynn Marie Hawkins

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Cognitive-Motor Integration In Normal Aging And Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease by : Kara-Lynn Marie Hawkins

Download or read book Cognitive-Motor Integration In Normal Aging And Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease written by Kara-Lynn Marie Hawkins and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Multisensory Integration as a Measure of Plasticity and Cognitive Ageing

Multisensory Integration as a Measure of Plasticity and Cognitive Ageing

Author: Philip Julian Sanders

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 414

ISBN-13:

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Background: Age-related declines in health result in challenges to individuals and society. Previous research has suggested a relationship between age-related sensory and cognitive decline. A possible factor mediating this relationship is declining brain plasticity with age. If this hypothesis is correct, then measuring sensory plasticity could have clinical value for diagnosing cognitive decline. Enhancing activity-dependent plasticity through multimodal stimulation may be a means of combatting sensory decline as interactions between signals from different senses produce different brain activity to unimodal signals, and multimodal stimulation can also have beneficial effects on perception, especially in the elderly. Aims: 1) Review methods of studying multisensory temporal perception and sensory-induced plasticity. 2) Investigate whether multimodal stimulation enhances plasticity effects measured with evoked potentials, relative to unimodal stimulation in the elderly. 3) Investigate links between age-related declines in plasticity, sensory processing, and cognition, non-invasively. Methods: Reviews: A scoping review on multisensory temporal processing and a descriptive review on plasticity induced using high frequency sensory stimulation (sensory tetanization) were undertaken. Pilot and Experiment 1: Sensory evoked potentials derived from the electroencephalogram were compared before and after unimodal and multimodal sensory tetanization in an elderly group and group of young adults. Experiment 2: A correlational analysis compared scores on a cognition battery with effects of visual tetanization on visual evoked potentials and training-induced improvements on an auditory-visual simultaneity judgement task in an elderly sample. Results: Descriptive review: Evidence for functional consequences of sensory tetanization is scarce, but studies with clinical populations indicate that sensory-induced plasticity paradigms may be developed into clinical tools. Individual differences in the effects of sensory tetanization provide an interesting direction for future research. Differences in results reported between research groups have emerged as the field has progressed and are yet to be resolved. Scoping review: 106 articles were reviewed covering behaviour, neuroimaging, computational models and special populations. Recent research provides support for early integration of crossmodal information. Pilot: Multimodal stimulation produced different patterns of results to unimodal stimulation in young and elderly groups. Auditory tetanization was more likely to produce potentiation of the auditory N1 component than multimodal tetanization. Visual tetanization was more likely to produce potentiation of the visual N1b in the young group, whereas multimodal tetanization was more likely to do so in the elderly group. Potentiation effects were heterogeneous between individuals and there was evidence of cross-modal contamination. Experiment 1: Visual tetanization induced a decrease in the N1 to P2 peak-to-peak measure in the elderly group and an increase in the young group. This age-difference was negated when the elderly group received multimodal tetanization, suggesting that multimodal stimulation has the potential to rescue age-related declines in visually-induced potentiation. The young group showed less potentiation after multimodal than visual tetanization. Experiment 2: The visual N1b component was potentiated post-tetanization. Training improved simultaneity judgements. Cognition correlated with improved simultaneity judgements. Tetanization effects did not correlate with the other measures. Conclusions: A benefit in the induction of plasticity with multimodal relative to unimodal tetanization was suggested for the elderly. A possible inhibitory effect of multimodal tetanization on potentiation was suggested for the young. Multimodal tetanization may have influenced potentiation effects on evoked potentials through cross-modal interactions. Results did not suggest that plasticity decline was a common factor underlying sensory and cognitive decline, instead some sensory decline may be countered through sensory training and this may have implications for improving cognition.


Book Synopsis Multisensory Integration as a Measure of Plasticity and Cognitive Ageing by : Philip Julian Sanders

Download or read book Multisensory Integration as a Measure of Plasticity and Cognitive Ageing written by Philip Julian Sanders and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Background: Age-related declines in health result in challenges to individuals and society. Previous research has suggested a relationship between age-related sensory and cognitive decline. A possible factor mediating this relationship is declining brain plasticity with age. If this hypothesis is correct, then measuring sensory plasticity could have clinical value for diagnosing cognitive decline. Enhancing activity-dependent plasticity through multimodal stimulation may be a means of combatting sensory decline as interactions between signals from different senses produce different brain activity to unimodal signals, and multimodal stimulation can also have beneficial effects on perception, especially in the elderly. Aims: 1) Review methods of studying multisensory temporal perception and sensory-induced plasticity. 2) Investigate whether multimodal stimulation enhances plasticity effects measured with evoked potentials, relative to unimodal stimulation in the elderly. 3) Investigate links between age-related declines in plasticity, sensory processing, and cognition, non-invasively. Methods: Reviews: A scoping review on multisensory temporal processing and a descriptive review on plasticity induced using high frequency sensory stimulation (sensory tetanization) were undertaken. Pilot and Experiment 1: Sensory evoked potentials derived from the electroencephalogram were compared before and after unimodal and multimodal sensory tetanization in an elderly group and group of young adults. Experiment 2: A correlational analysis compared scores on a cognition battery with effects of visual tetanization on visual evoked potentials and training-induced improvements on an auditory-visual simultaneity judgement task in an elderly sample. Results: Descriptive review: Evidence for functional consequences of sensory tetanization is scarce, but studies with clinical populations indicate that sensory-induced plasticity paradigms may be developed into clinical tools. Individual differences in the effects of sensory tetanization provide an interesting direction for future research. Differences in results reported between research groups have emerged as the field has progressed and are yet to be resolved. Scoping review: 106 articles were reviewed covering behaviour, neuroimaging, computational models and special populations. Recent research provides support for early integration of crossmodal information. Pilot: Multimodal stimulation produced different patterns of results to unimodal stimulation in young and elderly groups. Auditory tetanization was more likely to produce potentiation of the auditory N1 component than multimodal tetanization. Visual tetanization was more likely to produce potentiation of the visual N1b in the young group, whereas multimodal tetanization was more likely to do so in the elderly group. Potentiation effects were heterogeneous between individuals and there was evidence of cross-modal contamination. Experiment 1: Visual tetanization induced a decrease in the N1 to P2 peak-to-peak measure in the elderly group and an increase in the young group. This age-difference was negated when the elderly group received multimodal tetanization, suggesting that multimodal stimulation has the potential to rescue age-related declines in visually-induced potentiation. The young group showed less potentiation after multimodal than visual tetanization. Experiment 2: The visual N1b component was potentiated post-tetanization. Training improved simultaneity judgements. Cognition correlated with improved simultaneity judgements. Tetanization effects did not correlate with the other measures. Conclusions: A benefit in the induction of plasticity with multimodal relative to unimodal tetanization was suggested for the elderly. A possible inhibitory effect of multimodal tetanization on potentiation was suggested for the young. Multimodal tetanization may have influenced potentiation effects on evoked potentials through cross-modal interactions. Results did not suggest that plasticity decline was a common factor underlying sensory and cognitive decline, instead some sensory decline may be countered through sensory training and this may have implications for improving cognition.