Does fatigue predictably alter visual attention and memory retrieval efficiencies in older people?

Currently, work-related mental fatigue, sometimes described as burnout, is strongly associated with both mental and physical health issues. Worryingly it is increasing in the population. The increase in burnout has been particularly prevalent in older people, with a 5% increase in burnout complaints in sample of 65-74 year olds between 2015 and ’17. Potential evidence-based strategies to reduce older people’s cognitive load in work is currently underexplored. In this interdisciplinary project, we will investigate how different types of fatigue impact specific aspects of memory performance in older people. This will form part of our larger plan to assess the cognitive interactions between fatigue and ageing and develop strategies to reduce cognitive fatigue.

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