Evidence for age-related decline in spatial memory in a novel allocentric memory task

Several studies report spatial memory decline in old age. However, few studies have examined whether old adults are specifically impaired in allocentric memory tasks (testing for object-to-object spatial location memory). Thus, the present study examined the effects of age on allocentric spatial memory using a novel landmark memory task. Young (18-25 years old) and old (65 years and older) participants watched 10 short videos that displayed 180-degree viewpoints of distinct real-world locations with landmark cues. After watching each video, participants saw a snapshot from the video and were asked whether a landmark cue previously viewed in the video was to the left or right of the snapshot view. Young adults outperformed old adults on the task. This age-related decline in spatial performance was similar for men and women. These findings support that spatial ability in an allocentric task is sensitive to age-related cognitive decline in men and women.

Free flap reconstruction of tumors involving the cranial base

The authors describe their experience in treating 24 patients who underwent resection of tumors involving anterior, middle or posterior cranial fossa with immediate reconstruction. All were reconstructed with free flaps, 15 rectus abdominis, 4 radial forearm, 3 latissimus dorsi, 2 great omentum, and one scapular flap. There was one latissimus dorsi flap loss due to arterial thrombosis in a heavily irradiated patient. Three patients presented with a temporary cerebrospinal fluid leak, one of them with meningitis which resolved after intravenous antibiotics and continuous lumbar drainage. Fifteen patients were followed (mean 2 years). Five died of recurrence. Four presented local recurrence. Six patients are alive with no signs of recurrence. Free flaps, especially the rectus abdominis flap and the latissimus dorsi, are versatile flaps and may be easily positioned to cover several structures or anatomical surfaces.