Whole-brain connectivity during encoding: age-related differences and associations with cognitive and brain
Elettra Capogna1, Markus H Sneve1, Liisa Raud1
1Centre for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|February 22, 2022
Summary
Older adults show different brain connectivity patterns during memory encoding, with specific connections linked to better memory performance and brain structure maintenance, not compensation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- Limited understanding of age-related functional connectivity changes during memory encoding.
- Investigating how brain network interactions evolve with age during cognitive tasks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age differences in functional connectivity during associative memory encoding.
- To explore the relationship between encoding connectivity, cognitive processes, and longitudinal changes in brain structure and cognition.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an associative memory encoding task.
- Analysis of whole-brain connectivity patterns in a large, diverse adult age range (18-81 years).
- Correlations between connectivity, memory performance, and longitudinal brain structural/cognitive data.
Main Results:
- Aging associated with decreased intranetwork connectivity and increased internetwork connectivity during encoding.
- Task-connectivity between mediotemporal and posterior parietal regions (linked to mental imagery) predicted memory performance in older adults.
- Memory-related connectivity in older adults correlated with preserved medial temporal cortex thickness.
Conclusions:
- Brain connectivity during memory encoding differs across the adult lifespan.
- Specific connectivity patterns in older adults support memory performance and are associated with structural brain maintenance.
- Findings support a maintenance, rather than a compensation, model of cognitive aging.
Keywords:
agingfunctional connectivitylongitudinal MRImemory encodingpsychophysiological interaction (PPI)More Related Videos
08:43Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: August 7, 2017
8.0K
09:38Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction PPI Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: November 14, 2017
15.2K
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
355
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
355
01:14Brain Imaging
340
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
340
01:30Biological Influences on Intelligence
242
Intelligence is often thought to be linked to brain size, but the relationship is more complex than that. While brain size does correlate modestly with some abilities, like verbal skills, the connection is weaker for others, such as spatial reasoning. Other factors, like brain structure, also play crucial roles. For instance, despite Einstein's smaller-than-average brain, his parietal cortex, which is involved in spatial reasoning, was 15% wider, suggesting that neural density might matter...
242
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
1.0K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
1.0K
01:30Organization of the Brain
1.3K
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
1.3K