High brain network system segregation is differentially linked with cognitive performance across the life span.
Cameron N Calder1,2,3, Carl Helmick4,3, Javeria Ali Hashmi1,2,3
1Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University.
Network Neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.)
|April 27, 2026
Summary
Healthy aging involves brain network changes. Reduced system segregation (SS) in older adults impacts cognitive functions like semantic and executive memory, highlighting SS
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Aging Research
Background:
- Cognitive performance and brain network organization change with age.
- Reduced system segregation (SS) is linked to cognitive decline in older adults.
- Individual variability in SS and its cognitive impact across the lifespan requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between system segregation (SS) and cognitive performance in semantic, executive, and episodic memory.
- To investigate age-related differences in SS and its association with cognitive functions.
- To explore the role of SS in maintaining cognitive health during aging.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 179 younger (18-29 years) and 117 older adults (60-89 years).
- Measurement of global and network-specific SS using Schaefer's 7-network parcellation.
- Statistical analyses to assess associations between SS, age, and cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- A global age-related reduction in SS was confirmed, particularly in somatomotor, ventral attention, and frontoparietal networks.
- Reduced global SS mediated negative effects of age on semantic and executive performance.
- Higher SS correlated with better semantic performance in both age groups and better executive performance in older adults.
Conclusions:
- System segregation (SS) declines with age, impacting cognitive functions.
- Preserved SS is associated with better semantic and executive memory performance, especially in older adults.
- Maintaining SS may be crucial for healthy cognitive aging.
Keywords:
CognitionCognitive agingFunctional brain networksFunctional connectivityResting-state fMRISystem segregationMore Related Videos
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