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Mapping changes in the human cortex throughout the span of life
Elizabeth R Sowell1, Paul M Thompson, Arthur W Toga
1David Geffen School of Medicine, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095-1769, USA. esowell@loni.ucla.edu
Summary
This review details brain morphological changes across the human lifespan, from childhood to old age. Advanced MRI techniques help understand brain development and aging, linking morphology to cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Lifespan Development
- Medical Imaging Analysis
Background:
- Brain morphology undergoes significant changes from childhood through old age.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for comprehending human development and aging.
- Existing literature combines postmortem and in vivo studies with various analytical methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current literature on brain morphological changes throughout the human lifespan.
- To evaluate the application of various brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analytic methods.
- To integrate findings from in vivo and postmortem studies to define the transition from brain maturation to aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on brain morphological changes.
- Analysis of in vivo brain MRI data using volumetric and voxel-based morphometric methods.
- Application of state-of-the-art cortical pattern-matching techniques.
Main Results:
- Age-related changes in cortical asymmetries, gray matter distribution, and brain growth are assessed.
- Volumetric and voxel-based morphometric methods help localize brain changes.
- Cortical pattern-matching techniques provide detailed insights into age-related alterations.
Conclusions:
- Integrating in vivo and postmortem data is essential for a comprehensive understanding of brain aging.
- Identifying the onset of brain maturation cessation and aging is a complex but vital question.
- Future research requires longitudinal studies and advanced imaging technologies to fully interpret brain morphology in development and aging.