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Aging and the Resting State: Is Cognition Obsolete?
Karen L Campbell1, Daniel L Schacter1
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.
Language, Cognition and Neuroscience
|June 20, 2017
Summary
Resting state studies offer insights into neurocognitive aging but have limitations. Task-based functional connectivity studies remain essential for understanding how aging impacts the brain in a cognitively relevant way.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Aging
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The resting state approach to neurocognitive aging has gained popularity.
- Studies examine age differences in functional connectivity at rest.
- These differences are related to cognitive performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consider the limitations of the resting state approach in neurocognitive aging research.
- To argue for the continued essential role of task-based studies.
- To emphasize the need for a mechanistic understanding of age-related brain changes.
Main Methods:
- This is an opinion piece discussing existing research methodologies.
- It critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of resting state versus task-based fMRI.
- Focuses on the interpretation of functional connectivity data in aging.
Main Results:
- Resting state studies provide valuable insights but have inherent limitations.
- These limitations may restrict a full understanding of age-related cognitive decline.
- Task-based studies are crucial for a mechanistic understanding.
Conclusions:
- Task-based functional connectivity studies are indispensable for understanding age-related brain changes.
- A combination of approaches may be necessary for comprehensive insights.
- Future research should integrate task-based paradigms to elucidate cognitive relevance.
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