Longitudinal association of executive function and structural network controllability in the aging brain
Rongxiang Tang1,2, Jeremy A Elman3,4, Carol E Franz3,4
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA. rotang@health.ucsd.edu.
Geroscience
|October 21, 2022
Summary
Structural brain network controllability supports executive function in aging. Changes in network control relate to cognitive decline, suggesting a key mechanism for aging-related executive function changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Aging
- Brain Networks
Background:
- Executive function, crucial for cognitive control, declines with age.
- Functional brain networks (e.g., frontoparietal control network, multiple demand system) support executive function.
- The role of structural networks in age-related executive function decline is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between structural network modal controllability and executive function in aging.
- To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between changes in modal controllability and executive function.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging and neuropsychological testing in aging men (Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging).
- Structural networks derived from white matter connectivity.
- Modal controllability of control network and multiple demand system estimated.
Main Results:
- Higher modal controllability in control and multiple demand networks correlated with better executive function.
- Longitudinal analysis showed changes in executive function associated with changes in multiple demand system controllability.
- Control network controllability showed a weaker longitudinal association.
Conclusions:
- Structural network modal controllability is linked to executive function in aging.
- Changes in network controllability may underlie age-related executive function decline.
- This highlights a potential neural mechanism in cognitive aging.
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