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Impaired network organization in mild age-related hearing loss
Zhaopeng Tong1,2, Chunhua Xing3, Xiaomin Xu3
1Department of Otolaryngology Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou China.
Medcomm
|January 6, 2025
Summary
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) disrupts brain connectivity, particularly in the default mode network (DMN). This neural dysfunction is linked to cognitive decline in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly.
- The relationship between ARHL and cognitive decline remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ARHL-induced disturbances in functional brain network connectivity (static and dynamic).
- To explore alterations in global network switching and their association with cognitive performance in individuals with ARHL.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- Analysis techniques included group spatial independent component analysis, sliding window analysis, graph theory, multilayer networks, and correlation analysis.
- The study included 66 individuals with ARHL and 54 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- ARHL was associated with decreased static and dynamic functional network connectivity (sFNC/dFNC) within the default mode network (DMN).
- Increased sFNC/dFNC was observed between the DMN and central executive, salience (SN), and visual networks in individuals with ARHL.
- Reduced variability in dFNC between the DMN and auditory network (AUN), and between the SN and AUN, was noted in ARHL.
- Individuals with ARHL exhibited lower global network switching rates, particularly within the DMN.
- Disturbances within the DMN correlated with impaired executive function and memory.
Conclusions:
- ARHL leads to significant alterations in brain functional connectivity and network dynamics.
- Compensatory changes in the DMN may impair information processing, accelerate brain aging, and contribute to cognitive decline.
- These findings highlight the neural impact of sensory loss on cognitive health in aging.
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