Multisensory Integration in Aging: Implications for Cognitive, Motor, and Brain Health

Multisensory integration (MSI) plays a critical role in perception, action, cognition, and emotion across the adult lifespan. While age-related changes in unisensory processing have been comprehensively documented, accumulating evidence suggests that changes in multisensory processing are not simply secondary consequences of sensory decline. We propose a special collection that aims to bring together diverse experimental, neuroimaging, and interventional approaches aimed at examining how MSI changes with aging, how such changes are related to cognitive and affective vulnerability, and how compensatory mechanisms may support functional performance in older adults. Specifically, this collection aims to highlight links between MSI, brain dynamics, and functional outcomes to name a few. Psychophysical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging studies demonstrating differences in multisensory integration and their associations with various cognitive, motor and brain health outcomes are encouraged. As well, multisensory innovations including digital health screening tools and interventions targeting improvements in MSI as they relate to mental health, resilience, immune markers, and/or functional brain connectivity in adults with and without cognitive impairments are also welcome. Our goal is to compile contributions that position MSI as both a sensitive and early marker of neurocognitive aging and a promising target for interventions aimed at supporting functional independence, emotional health, and resilience in aging. Topic editors: Jeannette R Mahoney, Jennifer Campos, Myeongjin Bae, Uros Marusic Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82816/multisensory-integration-in-aging-implications-for-cognitive-motor-and-brain-health