Increased Resting-State BOLD Turnover (TBOLD) is Associated With Decreased Cognitive Performance During Aging

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Aging Research

Background:

• Resting-state blood-oxygen-level dependent signal (TBOLD) turnover is a key indicator of local cortical brain status.
• Understanding the relationship between TBOLD and cognitive function is crucial for aging research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate contemporaneous and lagged associations between TBOLD and cognitive function in older adults.
• To explore the predictive relationship of TBOLD on future cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 711 participants from the Human Connectome Project on Aging (HCP-A).
• Assessment of resting-state fMRI data for TBOLD.
• Evaluation of cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and its subscales.
• Statistical control for age, sex, and handedness.

Main Results:

• TBOLD was negatively associated with overall MoCA scores and specific subscales (Delayed Recall, Visuospatial/Executive Function).
• This association was widespread across brain areas and stronger in the left hemisphere.
• TBOLD predicted future decrements in MoCA Total score and subscale performance.

Conclusions:

• Increased TBOLD is contemporaneously and prospectively associated with decreased cognitive performance.
• Findings suggest a potential mechanism linking neuroinflammation to cognitive decline via increased TBOLD.