1.1 Language, communication and aging
Research in this unit revolves around the brain's handling of language, with the focus particularly on the mental lexicon, i.e. the way words are organized in the brain, and mechanisms allowing the elderly to retain good communication skills. Using both experimental approaches and cerebral imaging techniques, the researchers work to perfect tools for assessing and treating acquired language difficulties caused by a stroke, for instance. They are also examining the learning of second languages and recovery after acquiring language difficulties such as aphasia, from a neurobiological viewpoint.

1.2 Cognitive neuropsychology of aging
Cognitive changes associated with aging are part of life. Is it unrealistic to think that it is possible to age better, cognitively speaking? To answer this question, researchers in this unit attempt to measure the benefits of physical exercise on attention spans in the elderly; establish cognitive intervention programs and validate them using cerebral imaging techniques; conduct research into the semantic memory of Alzheimer's patients to help develop an assessment battery; and closely examine false memories, in an effort to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body diseases like Parkinson's.

1.3 Neuroimaging and neurobiology
Researchers in this unit concentrate on multimodal neuroimaging methodology. They work on both humans and animals, and a substantial injection of funding has allowed them to develop the necessary infrastructure. Their goal is to perfect new techniques for studying aging in the brains of healthy individuals and those with neurodegenerative diseases. The research field covers pain perception and treatment and motor learning, so-called "executive" cerebral processes and semantic memory. The researchers helped set up the Réseau de bio-imagerie du Québec, the Canadian Brain Research Imaging Network, and the INSERM international neuroimaging and modelling laboratory.