Prefrontal Cortex Hemodynamics and Functional Connectivity Changes during Performance Working Memory Tasks in Older
Jiahui Gao1, Lin Zhang1, Jingfang Zhu1
1College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China.
Brain Sciences
|March 29, 2023
Summary
Older adults with sleep disorders exhibit impaired working memory and reduced prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation and connectivity. This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate these brain function changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Sleep disorders (SDs) are linked to cognitive decline in older adults.
- Working memory (WM) is crucial for cognitive function and relies on the prefrontal cortex (PFC).
- The neural underpinnings of WM deficits in elderly individuals with SDs are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in PFC function during a working memory task in older adults with SDs.
- To utilize functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess PFC activity and connectivity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 37 older adults with SDs was compared to 37 matched healthy controls (HC).
- Participants performed the N-back task, a standard test of working memory.
- fNIRS was employed to measure changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration and PFC connectivity.
Main Results:
- The SD group demonstrated significantly lower accuracy on the 0-back and 2-back tasks compared to HC.
- Reduced oxy-Hb concentration was observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the SD group during the 2-back task.
- Decreased functional connectivity between PFC subregions was found in older adults with SDs.
Conclusions:
- Older adults with SDs show impaired working memory performance.
- Reduced PFC activation and functional connectivity contribute to working memory deficits in this population.
- These findings offer new insights into the neural mechanisms of cognitive impairment in elderly individuals with SDs.
Keywords:
functional connectivityfunctional near-infrared spectroscopyhemodynamicprefrontal cortexsleep disordersworking memoryMore Related Videos
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