Visual attention in infant monkeys: Effects of dietary fatty acids and age

Author(s): Neuringer, M., Gohl, E., Wald, R., Anderson, G. J.

Journal/Book: Develop Psychol. 1997; 33: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 387-395.

Abstract: Effects of dietary essential fatty acids on visual attention were explored longitudinally in infant rhesus monkeys with a visual paired-comparison paradigm. Sets of primate faces and of patterns were presented at Weeks 2, 5, 9, and 13 to 9 infants deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and 8 fed a standard nursery diet. Familiarization to 1 member of each pair preceded simultaneous presentation of both stimuli. Infants fed the deficient diet showed longer individual looks in both immediate and 24-hr tests. Duration of looks decreased with age to familiar but not to novel stimuli. The proportion of time looking at the novel stimulus (% novel) increased with age but was not affected by diet. Look duration and % novel were differentially affected and may reflect different underlying processes.

Note: Article Reisbick S, Oregon Reg Primate Res Ctr, Div Neurosci, 505 NW 185TH Ave, Beaverton,OR 97006 USA

Keyword(s): RECOGNITION MEMORY; RHESUS-MONKEYS; DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID; ACUITY DEVELOPMENT; PRETERM INFANTS; PIGTAILED MACAQUES; MACACA-NEMESTRINA; 1ST YEAR; BRAIN; RETINA

Zurück | Weiter