Age-Associated Differences of Modules and Hubs in Brain Functional Networks

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Network Science

Background:

• Healthy aging is linked to changes in brain functional organization, potentially affecting cognition.
• The precise relationship between age-related brain network alterations and cognitive decline is still debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-associated differences in brain functional modules and hubs across adulthood.
• To explore how these network changes relate to cognitive function and brain communication efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from a large cross-sectional adult sample.
• Constructed individual and group-level brain networks, detecting functional modules and hubs.
• Analyzed intra- and inter-modular connectivities and topological roles of hubs across young, middle-aged, and old groups.

Main Results:

• Intra- and inter-modular connectivities showed a negative correlation with age.
• Connector hubs were more prevalent in younger adults, while provincial hubs were more common in middle-aged adults.
• Distinct age-associated trajectories for hub connections suggest topological role transitions in brain networks.

Conclusions:

• Functional segregation and integration in the brain are inversely associated with age, indicating reduced communication efficiency.
• These findings provide a novel perspective on the normal aging process of brain networks and their functional implications.