Cognition and Neuroscience

Research Groups

The key activity of this research group is the longitudinal acquisition of MRI-based markers of brain structure and their association with psychological functions. One line of research targets the principles underlying aging-related changes in brain structure, e.g. by exploring factors that affect the amount and pattern of change. Beyond that, the group specifically focuses on neuroanatomical configurations and changes that facilitate stabilization of behavior (i.e., cognitive and motor abilities) in older individuals. The groups’ research is complemented by the investigation of neurophysiological markers of brain function (fMRI, EEG) to facilitate the interpretation of the complex relationship between brain structure and behavior. Go to projects

This group develops novel methodological approaches to study variations in cognitive performance across the lifespan and along the continuum from healthy to pathological functioning. Specifically, we investigate the potential for plasticity, mechanisms for stabilization and compensation across the lifespan. For this, we acquire and analyze multimodal data sets, such as simultaneous EEG and eye-tracking, structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as well as behavioral data. From these rich data sets, we extract multivariate parameters and apply state-of-the-art methods, such as machine learning, functional network modelling, and longitudinal analyses. Go to projects

This research group aims to better understand the long-term effects of age-related hearing loss to maintain individual quality of life despite changes in auditory functioning common in older adulthood. They combine various methods and measurements to thoroughly investigate the relationship between aging, peripheral and central hearing loss, cognition, neuroplasticity, tinnitus, and speech perception. Go to projects

Within this research group, the following research questions are of central interest: How do processes on the contents of working memory influence the long-term learning of these contents? How are these processes limited by the reduced capacity of working memory in old age? To what extent can the age-related decline in episodic long-term memory be explained by reduced working-memory capacity? Go to projects