Reduced dynamic functional connectivity in older ages: are older brains less adaptable?
Natalia Zhukova1, Camilla Mendl-Heinisch1,2, Christiane Jockwitz1,2
1Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty &, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Geroscience
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Brain connectivity dynamics slow with age, showing less flexibility and more segregation. Older adults may re-segregate networks, impacting cognition differently based on age group and sex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Healthy aging involves brain connectivity reorganization.
- Static functional connectivity (sFC) shows age-related network shifts.
- Dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) is crucial for understanding aging cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate temporal variability and dynamics of brain functional architecture in aging.
- Comprehend age-related changes in dynamic functional connectivity (dFC).
- Develop a refined model of age-related functional connectivity differences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized resting-state fMRI data from 817 older adults (55-85 years).
- Applied sliding window and clustering to extract dFC states.
- Quantified temporal metrics like dwell time and transition frequency.
Main Results:
- Aging associated with slower, less flexible network dynamics; integrative states decreased, segregated states increased.
- Identified age-stratified differences: stabilization then re-segregation in older-old adults, challenging monotonic integration theories.
- Found opposing links between dFC and cognition across age groups (mid-to-old vs. older-old).
- Females showed stronger age-related flexibility reductions.
Conclusions:
- Temporal variability in brain connectivity is essential for studying aging, especially in advanced age.
- Aging brain dynamics shift from dedifferentiation to re-segregation, impacting cognition differently.
- Sex-specific analyses reveal divergent aging profiles, necessitating tailored approaches.
Keywords:
AgingDFC statesDynamic functional connectivityFMRINetwork architecturePopulation-based cohortSliding window analysisMore Related Videos
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