PAL: Psychology of Aging at Leeds
The PAL group conducts research on the psychological changes that can occur with advancing age, in health and disease. Our research includes theoretical and applied work on topics including vision and auditory processing, motor control and learning, me
Current members:
Academic staff:
Dr Richard Allen,
Dr Holly Brown,
Professor Melanie Burke,
Dr Rachel Coats,
Dr Jean-Francois Delvenne,
Dr Ali Mair,
Dr Ronan McGarrigle.
Research Projects
Boosting Brains - Exploring Interventions for Enhanced Brain Function and Mental Health in Older Adults
Professor. Burke & Dr Delvenne
Protecting ourselves against the rising incidence of Dementia and neurodegenerative diseases is critical in a world where it is now becoming the leading cause of death (ONS, 2024). The literature alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO Geneva, 2018) highlights 3 main validated approaches for optimising brain health across the lifespan: (i) exercise training, (ii) micronutrient supplementation, and (iii) cognitive brain stimulation. This project aims to compare psychological, cognitive, and brain imaging data, in younger and older adults, to evaluate which approach results in optimal outcomes to support brain health.
Strategy training to support healthy cognitive ageing: behavioural, neuroimaging, and real-world investigations
Professor Allen & Prof Burke
The strategies people use during memory tasks, such as actively rehearsing information, affect performance. In fact, instructing the use of specific strategies, such as using attention to prioritise important details, can boost memory performance in both younger and older adults. This study aims to identify the most commonly used strategies across the lifespan, alongside establishing which ones result in better memory. In addition, 'scaffolding' theory suggests that the brain can compensate for age-related decline in cognition through strategy use. This study will compare how younger and older adults distribute brain resources when using specified strategies as a way to support healthy cognition. As a final aim, the project will use experience sampling to explore what strategies older adults use to support their cognition in their everyday lives.
Wearable cameras Wearable cameras as memory aids
Dr Mair
This project investigates the use of wearable cameras to support everyday memory in older adults and people with dementia. Wearable cameras are photographic devices that automatically take photos of the environment at regular intervals, from the wearer’s perspective. When these photos are later reviewed by the wearer, they provide powerful cues for remembering, helping the wearer to recall not only what is depicted in the photos, but also rich autobiographical details that are recalled organically, even in people with severe memory impairments. Some major barriers currently preventing the adoption of this technology include the time and effort needed to review the photos, and the lack of technologically simple devices that do not require intervention by a caregiver. Our work in this area involves applying knowledge from the cognitive psychology of memory to the problem of making wearable cameras more efficient, without losing their striking benefits to memory. A parallel strand of research in collaboration with colleagues from Electronic and Electrical Engineering, is developing novel wearable cameras that capture photos in response to physiological changes in the wearer.
Our network
The PAL group has links to the University’s Reimagine Ageing Network, which brings together academics, industrial partners, charities, the third sector, and local authorities to stimulate new interdisciplinary collaborations and co-create novel, imaginative responses to the global challenge of reducing inequalities in later life. Our members are on the steering groups for the Reimagine Ageing Network and the Yorkshire Vision Network. We have collaborative links with staff members as ambassadors for the Leeds Older Peoples Forum, alongside the Network for Dementia Voices (DEEP). We have active collaborations with colleagues at other universities and research institutes, both within the UK and internationally.
We have access to a broad range of technology and lab space via the Brain and Behaviour Lab, of which Prof. Melanie Burke is the Director. We also have an OptiTrack motion capture system, and several wearable cameras.