Self-Relevance Supporting Multisensory Integration in the Ageing Mind

world is currently experiencing a demographic shift marked by an increasing older population. Ageing is a critical focus in healthcare due in large part to its association with sensory impairments such as those affecting hearing and vision. These impairments directly impact not only the older individuals and their families but also increase the risk of hospitalization, exerting pressure on global healthcare systems.

A growing body of evidence indicates that sensory impairments are associated with adverse outcomes, such as depressive symptoms, reduced quality of life and cognitive decline in older adults. Importantly, several research suggests an enhanced multisensory processing in older adults. However, a consensus regarding the precise mechanism underlying this enhancement has not yet been reached.

Some recent studies suggest that the act of relating incoming sensory information to oneself, or increasing its self-relevance, may modulate multisensory processing. However, we do not know whether and how self-relevance impact sensory function in ageing, especially in the context of multisensory perception. This leads to the current project's central question: Can self-relevance influence multisensory perception in ageing?

This project is expected to yield a new model specifying the relationship between self-relevance and multisensory processing in the ageing process. The findings will substantially advance our understanding of how sensory faculties evolve in our ageing populace, which has great significance for shaping effective healthcare policies and easing the pressures of eldercare.

Most notably, this project will formulate an effective intervention to improve sensory function in ageing, thereby enhancing overall well-being and autonomy.