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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
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Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain
Published on: October 13, 2023
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Network Patterns Associated with Navigation Behaviors Are Altered in Aged Nonhuman Primates
James R Engle1,2,3, Christopher J Machado3,4, Michele R Permenter3
1Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute and.
Summary
Aging impairs spatial navigation by altering brain network dynamics. Older macaques showed less differentiated brain activity across tasks compared to younger ones, suggesting network changes contribute to cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Aging Research
Background:
- Spatial navigation relies on complex brain system interactions.
- Aging is known to impair spatial navigation, but the underlying neural networks are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whole-brain network activity during distinct spatial navigation behaviors in young and aged nonhuman primates.
- To determine how normal aging impacts these neural networks associated with spatial cognition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a within-subject design with [18F]FDG-microPET to capture whole-brain activation.
- Examined four spatial behaviors: constrained space (CAGE), head-restrained passive locomotion (CHAIR), constrained locomotion (TREADMILL), and unconstrained locomotion (WALK).
- Compared brain activity patterns between young and aged rhesus macaques.
Main Results:
- Consistent brain networks were activated across all behaviors and ages.
- Young macaques exhibited distinct coactivity patterns between conditions.
- Older macaques tended to engage similar networks across different spatial tasks, indicating less differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Aging alters brain network dynamics, leading to less differentiated network engagement across distinct spatial behaviors.
- Changes in functional connectivity and network differentiation may underlie age-related deficits in spatial cognition.
