Cognitive Load and Memory Performance Across the Adult Lifespan

Understanding How We Listen, Think, and Remember

The amount of effort our brain needs to process information is called cognitive load. Research has shown that as we age, remembering and holding onto information for short periods (short-term memory) often becomes more challenging, even when hearing seems normal. But why do some people manage these challenges better than others?

What This Study is About. This project explores how short-term memory changes across different stages of adulthood. We are also studying how factors such as education, work experience, mental health, speaking more than one language, musical training, and physical activity may make memory and listening either easier or more difficult.

If you choose to join this study, you will:

• Complete short surveys about your background and lifestyle.

• Take part in memory tasks while you wear comfortable glasses with an Eye Tracking System that measures how your eyes move, helping us understand how much effort your brain is using during the tasks.

Your participation is completely voluntary. All information will remain confidential and will be used only for research purposes.

To thank you for your time, participants will receive a small gift card.

Who Can Join? You may be eligible if you:

1. Are 18 years or older

2. Can speak, read, and understand English

3. Do not have a medical or mental condition that prevents you from completing study tasks

Study Location

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Dalhousie University

Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building

5850 College Street, 2nd Floor, Room 2C50, Halifax, B3H 4H7

Interested?

If you’d like to participate or have questions, please contact us at info@zcanlab.com. 

Thank you for considering being part of this important study.