Atypical Hierarchical Connectivity Revealed by Stepwise Functional Connectivity in Aging
Hechun Li1,2, Hongru Shi1,2, Sisi Jiang1,3
1The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, Center for Information in Medicine, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 28, 2023
Summary
Aging alters brain connectivity, shifting focus from the default mode network to sensory-motor networks. This brain reconfiguration is linked to molecular changes and impacts cognitive functions like executive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Hierarchical functional structure is vital for brain function.
- Aging is associated with changes in brain structure and function.
- Understanding these changes and their links to other factors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how aging affects the brain's hierarchical functional structure.
- To explore the relationship between age-related changes in functional structure and molecular, microvascular, and cognitive features.
Main Methods:
- Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from older and younger adults.
- Employed a graph-theory-based analysis called stepwise functional connectivity (SFC).
- Conducted correlation and mediation analyses to link SFC patterns with molecular, microvascular, and cognitive data.
Main Results:
- Aging led to a shift in hierarchical functional structure, with a pattern converging on the primary sensory-motor network (PSN) instead of the default mode network (DMN).
- Stepwise functional connectivity (SFC) decreased in the DMN and increased in the PSN with aging.
- Altered SFC patterns correlated with dopamine and serotonin levels, poorer microvascular features, and lower executive function.
Conclusions:
- Aging reconfigures brain hub systems, shifting dominance from the DMN to the PSN.
- These age-related functional brain changes are associated with molecular (dopamine, serotonin) and microvascular factors.
- Microvascular health and functional connectivity interact to influence executive function in aging.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
59
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
59
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
125
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,...
125
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
2.0K
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
2.0K