Exploring diurnal effects on attention and working memory with young and older adults using the Dalhousie computerized attention battery (DalCAB)

Abstract

The current study was conducted to assess the feasibility of a remote administration of the DalCAB, confirm a preference for eveningness in young adults and morningness in older adults, and see if age-related shifting diurnal rhythm preferences affect attention performance. Of the 62 participants who consented to participate, 26 young adults (18-35 years) and 29 older adults (55-79 years) completed the DalCAB once in the morning (8 AM) and once in the evening (4 PM) and took the Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) to assess diurnal preference. With a 90% completion rate and highly acceptable System Usability Scale scores we conclude that remote administration of the DalCAB is feasible. We found a significant relationship between age and MEQ type with an increased preference for morningness with age. Current data suggest that both older and younger adults were able to perform similarly on the DalCAB at any time during the normal workday.