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Brain structure and verbal function across adulthood while controlling for cerebrovascular risks
L Sanfratello1,2, S L Lundy3, C Qualls4
1The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87106.
Human Brain Mapping
|April 9, 2017
Summary
Middle-aged adults show peak verbal memory, but white matter integrity does not increase, contrary to predictions. Cerebrovascular risk negatively impacts white matter integrity and cognitive function in aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Aging
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Cognitive aging involves complex changes in brain structure and function.
- Gray matter volume typically declines linearly with age, while white matter matures later.
- Cerebrovascular risk factors significantly influence cognitive aging trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in verbal working memory and white matter integrity.
- To compare middle-aged adults (35-45) with young (18-25) and elder (60+) groups.
- To explore the association between cerebrovascular risk and brain structure/function.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) were used.
- 80 healthy participants across three age groups were studied.
- Objective measures of cerebrovascular risk and cognitive performance were collected.
Main Results:
- Middle-aged adults exhibited the highest verbal working memory accuracy.
- White matter integrity (Fractional Anisotropy) did not differ between young and middle-aged groups, but was higher than in elders.
- Magnetoencephalography showed greater peak amplitudes in young and middle-aged groups compared to elders.
- Cerebrovascular risk factors were negatively associated with white matter integrity in critical brain regions.
Conclusions:
- Verbal working memory performance matures into middle age, but white matter integrity shows a different pattern.
- Cerebrovascular risk factors contribute to age-related white matter decline and cognitive impairment.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between aging, brain structure, and cognitive function.
Keywords:
DTIMEGblood pressureblood sugarcerebrovascular riskdevelopmentfractional anisotropynormal agingverbal memoryworking memoryMore Related Videos
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