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High-resolution In Vivo Manual Segmentation Protocol for Human Hippocampal Subfields Using 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: November 10, 2015
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Relationship between hippocampal subfields volume and balance function in healthy older adults
Ryotaro Ide1, Miho Ota2, Yasushi Hada3
1Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Gait & Posture
|February 10, 2023
Summary
Good balance function correlates with larger hippocampus volume in older adults. This suggests balance, potentially linked to vestibular function, influences brain structure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Hippocampal volume changes with aging, disease, and training.
- Aerobic and dance training impact subfield volumes, hinting at balance involvement.
- The link between balance function and hippocampal subfield volume is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between balance function and hippocampal and subfield volumes.
- To explore how different balance conditions affect this relationship.
Main Methods:
- 30 cognitively intact older adults participated.
- Balance was assessed using the Index of Postural Stability (IPS) under various conditions.
- Structural MRI scans were used to measure hippocampal and subfield volumes.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between IPS (eyes closed/soft surface) and whole hippocampal volume.
- Specific subfields (molecular layer, GC-ML-DG, CA3, CA4) also showed positive correlations with IPS.
- Correlations were strongest under the challenging balance condition (eyes closed/soft surface).
Conclusions:
- Balance function is correlated with hippocampal and subfield volumes in healthy older adults.
- Balance, particularly related to vestibular function, may play a role in maintaining hippocampal structure.
- The Index of Postural Stability (IPS) could be a valuable tool for assessing the hippocampus-vestibular system-balance relationship.
