Neuroscientists at the University of Iowa have theorized
that apparent "gullibility" in seniors may actually be the result of
changes in brain function and, in some cases, minor brain damage.
A series of tests to determine decision-making ability
and "gullibility" were given to 80 healthy seniors. Up to 40% of
those studied performed badly in simulated decision-making exercises, despite
no apparent signs of any neurological problems that should have affected their
responses, researchers say.
Researchers aimed to identify traits among seniors who
were prone to deception and poor decision-making. The report was published in the Annals of the New York
Academy of Sciences.