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A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance

A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance

Published on: May 7, 2014

Age-related functional brain changes in young children.

Xiangyu Long¹, Alina Benischek¹, Deborah Dewey²

¹Departments of Radiology, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital 2888 Shaganappi Trail, NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3B 6A8.

|May 3, 2017

Summary

Brain development in preschoolers shows increasing local and global functional connectivity in key networks. Some areas exhibit shifting connectivity, supporting cognitive advances like language and theory of mind.

Keywords:

Age Amplitude of low frequency fluctuations Brain development Default mode network Frontoparietal network Global connectivity Local activity Preschool Regional homogeneity fMRI

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Last Updated: Mar 3, 2026

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Cortical Source Analysis of High-Density EEG Recordings in Children

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Published on: June 30, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

Early childhood (ages 2-6) is a critical period for brain development.
Most research focuses on older/younger children, leaving a gap in understanding preschooler brain changes.
Understanding typical brain development is crucial for identifying atypical patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate age-related changes in local and global brain function and connectivity in children aged 2-6 years.
To identify specific brain regions and networks involved in early childhood brain maturation.
To explore the relationship between functional brain development and emerging cognitive abilities.

Main Methods:

Analysis of 77 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets from 44 children (ages 2-6).
Extraction of local (ALFF, ReHo) and global (ECM) functional activity and connectivity measures.
Application of robust linear correlation and strict motion control for age-related analysis.

Main Results:

Age-related increases in local and global functional features observed in default mode and frontoparietal networks (e.g., middle frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, posterior cingulate cortex).
Opposing developmental trajectories for local and global features in areas like the superior parietal lobule and superior temporal gyrus.
Evidence of a shifting functional connectivity framework during early childhood.

Conclusions:

Preschooler brain development involves significant changes in functional organization and connectivity.
These neural changes likely underpin advancements in language and theory of mind.
Findings provide a foundational understanding of typical brain development in early childhood, aiding future research on developmental disorders.