A - 82 Differences in Cognitive Effort-Based Decision Making between Younger and Older Adults

Abstract Objective Goal-directed decision-making relies on age-dependent reward processing. Current measures of motivation have yet to be validated for use among older adults (OA). This study aimed to compare the performance of younger adults (YA) and OAs on an objective effort-based decision-making behavioral task. Method Thirty-five YAs (21.9 ± 3.6 years of age) and thirty-five OAs (68.4 ± 8.5 years of age) completed a cognitive screening measure, self-report questionnaires assessing mood/motivation, and a computerized game in which individuals can choose to expend greater effort for larger reward that vary in magnitude and probability. Performance parameters were compared across groups. Results YAs displayed a greater willingness to exert effort for reward. YAs had faster decision-making time when compared to OAs, except conditions when the magnitude and probability for reward was lower. OA’s task difficulty selection was significantly influenced by the magnitude and probability for reward, as well as by previous trial outcomes. This behavior was not observed in YAs who were not sensitive to the magnitude of reward. Moreover, in OAs, lower levels of fatigue were correlated with expending greater effort in some reward probability conditions. Lower levels of apathy were also correlated with expending greater effort after following a small win. Conclusion(s) This study revealed preliminary evidence supporting the motivation task could recognize subtle motivational deficits and was well tolerated by YA and OAs. The measure was applicable in the context of age-related limitations. Our findings contribute to the existing body of research aimed at developing tools to accurately measure motivation levels among OAs.