Connectivity Patterns in the Core Resting-State Networks and Their Influence on Cognition

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Three prominent resting-state networks (rsNWs) – default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and central executive network (CEN) – are crucial in neuropsychiatric conditions.
• Their specific roles in cognitive function, especially across the lifespan, require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate resting-state activity (RSA) and functional connectivity (FC) patterns within the DMN, SN, and CEN.
• To examine age-associated changes in these network properties.
• To explore the relationship between network characteristics and cognitive performance in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• Utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 74 healthy adults (aged 20-79 years).
• Calculated whole-network measures: amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) for RSA, regional homogeneity (ReHo) and degree of network centrality (DC) for FC.
• Assessed cognitive domains including memory, executive functioning, processing speed, attention, and visual perception.

Main Results:

• The DMN exhibited the highest RSA and FC, while the SN showed the lowest values across all measures (ALFF, ReHo, DC).
• Significant age-associated decreases in ALFF and DC were found in the DMN, and in ALFF and ReHo within the SN.
• Higher RSA (ALFF) correlated negatively with working memory across all three networks and with other cognitive parameters in the CEN.

Conclusions:

• Elevated RSA within the DMN, SN, and CEN may be associated with poorer cognitive performance.
• A pattern of lower RSA and FC in the SN characterizes healthy individuals.
• These findings enhance understanding of core resting-state networks and their cognitive relevance.