scholarly journals The overlapping modular organization of human brain functional networks across the adult lifespan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Gu ◽  
Liangfang Li ◽  
Yining Zhang ◽  
Junji Ma ◽  
Chenfan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Mutual Exclusion ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Modular Organization ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Healthy Cohort ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
The Brain

Previous lifespan studies have demonstrated that the brain functional modular organization would change along with the adult lifespan. Yet, they assumed mutual exclusion among functional modules, ignoring convergent evidence for the existence of modular overlap. To reveal how age affects the overlapping functional modular organization, this study applied a detection algorithm requiring no prior knowledge of the resting-state fMRI data of a healthy cohort (N = 570, 18-88 years). Age-related regression analyses found a linear decrease in the overlapping modularity and the similarity of modular structure and overlapping node (i.e., region involved in multiple modules) distribution. The number of overlapping nodes increased with age, but the increment was distributed unevenly. In addition, across the adult lifespan and within each age group, the nodal overlapping probability consistently exhibited positive correlations with both functional gradient and flexibility. Further, we showed that the influence of age on memory-related cognitive performance might be explained by the change in the overlapping functional modular organization. Together, our results revealed age-related decreased segregation from the perspective of brain functional overlapping modular organization, providing new insight into the adult lifespan change in brain function and its influence on cognitive performance.

Individual T1-weighted/T2-weighted ratio brain networks: Small-worldness, hubs and modular organization

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (05) ◽  
pp. 1840007
Author(s):  
Huijun Wu ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Linyuan Lü
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Structural Mri ◽  
Modular Organization ◽  
Enormous Amount ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Law Degree ◽  
Network Metrics ◽  
The Brain

Applying network science to investigate the complex systems has become a hot topic. In neuroscience, understanding the architectures of complex brain networks was a vital issue. An enormous amount of evidence had supported the brain was cost/efficiency trade-off with small-worldness, hubness and modular organization through the functional MRI and structural MRI investigations. However, the T1-weighted/T2-weighted (T1w/T2w) ratio brain networks were mostly unexplored. Here, we utilized a KL divergence-based method to construct large-scale individual T1w/T2w ratio brain networks and investigated the underlying topological attributes of these networks. Our results supported that the T1w/T2w ratio brain networks were comprised of small-worldness, an exponentially truncated power–law degree distribution, frontal-parietal hubs and modular organization. Besides, there were significant positive correlations between the network metrics and fluid intelligence. Thus, the T1w/T2w ratio brain networks open a new avenue to understand the human brain and are a necessary supplement for future MRI studies.

scholarly journals Selective Development of Anticorrelated Networks in the Intrinsic Functional Organization of the Human Brain

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 501-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoqian J. Chai ◽  
Noa Ofen ◽  
John D. E. Gabrieli ◽  
Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli
Keyword(s):  
Functional Organization ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Motion Artifacts ◽  
Default Network ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Large Growth ◽  
Multiple Regions ◽  
Medial Pfc ◽  
Positive Correlations

We examined the normal development of intrinsic functional connectivity of the default network (brain regions typically deactivated for attention-demanding tasks) as measured by resting-state fMRI in children, adolescents, and young adults ages 8–24 years. We investigated both positive and negative correlations and employed analysis methods that allowed for valid interpretation of negative correlations and that also minimized the influence of motion artifacts that are often confounds in developmental neuroimaging. As age increased, there were robust developmental increases in negative correlations, including those between medial pFC (MPFC) and dorsolateral pFC (DLPFC) and between lateral parietal cortices and brain regions associated with the dorsal attention network. Between multiple regions, these correlations reversed from being positive in children to negative in adults. Age-related changes in positive correlations within the default network were below statistical threshold after controlling for motion. Given evidence in adults that greater negative correlation between MPFC and DLPFC is associated with superior cognitive performance, the development of an intrinsic anticorrelation between MPFC and DLPFC may be a marker of the large growth of working memory and executive functions that occurs from childhood to young adulthood.

scholarly journals Brain training using cognitive apps can improve cognitive performance and processing speed in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Bonnechère ◽  
Malgorzata Klass ◽  
Christelle Langley ◽  
Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Global Aging

AbstractManaging age-related decrease of cognitive function is an important public health challenge, especially in the context of the global aging of the population. Over the last years several Cognitive Mobile Games (CMG) have been developed to train and challenge the brain. However, currently the level of evidence supporting the benefits of using CMG in real-life use is limited in older adults, especially at a late age. In this study we analyzed game scores and the processing speed obtained over the course of 100 sessions in 12,000 subjects aged 60 to over 80 years. Users who trained with the games improved regardless of age in terms of scores and processing speed throughout the 100 sessions, suggesting that old and very old adults can improve their cognitive performance using CMG in real-life use.

scholarly journals Whole-brain dynamics in aging: disruptions in functional connectivity and the role of the rich club

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anira Escrichs ◽  
Carles Biarnes ◽  
Josep Garre-Olmo ◽  
José Manuel Fernández-Real ◽  
Rafel Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Brain Dynamics ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Rich Club ◽  
Brain Functional Network ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Brain

AbstractNormal aging causes disruptions in the brain that can lead to cognitive decline. Resting-state fMRI studies have found significant age-related alterations in functional connectivity across various networks. Nevertheless, most of the studies have focused mainly on static functional connectivity. Studying the dynamics of resting-state brain activity across the whole-brain functional network can provide a better characterization of age-related changes. Here we employed two data-driven whole-brain approaches based on the phase synchronization of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals to analyze resting-state fMRI data from 620 subjects divided into two groups (‘middle-age group’ (n=310); age range, 50-65 years vs. ‘older group’ (n=310); age range, 66-91 years). Applying the Intrinsic-Ignition Framework to assess the effect of spontaneous local activation events on local-global integration, we found that the older group showed higher intrinsic ignition across the whole-brain functional network, but lower metastability. Using Leading Eigenvector Dynamics Analysis, we found that the older group showed reduced ability to access a metastable substate that closely overlaps with the so-called rich club. These findings suggest that functional whole-brain dynamics are altered in aging, probably due to a deficiency in a metastable substate that is key for efficient global communication in the brain.

scholarly journals Focal Brain Lesions to Critical Locations Cause Widespread Disruption of the Modular Organization of the Brain

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1275-1285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Gratton ◽  
Emi M. Nomura ◽  
Fernando Pérez ◽  
Mark D'Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Brain Damage ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Brain Lesions ◽  
Modular Organization ◽  
Network Organization ◽  
Functional Deficits ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Critical Locations

Although it is generally assumed that brain damage predominantly affects only the function of the damaged region, here we show that focal damage to critical locations causes disruption of network organization throughout the brain. Using resting state fMRI, we assessed whole-brain network structure in patients with focal brain lesions. Only damage to those brain regions important for communication between subnetworks (e.g., “connectors”)—but not to those brain regions important for communication within sub-networks (e.g., “hubs”)—led to decreases in modularity, a measure of the integrity of network organization. Critically, this network dysfunction extended into the structurally intact hemisphere. Thus, focal brain damage can have a widespread, nonlocal impact on brain network organization when there is damage to regions important for the communication between networks. These findings fundamentally revise our understanding of the remote effects of focal brain damage and may explain numerous puzzling cases of functional deficits that are observed following brain injury.

scholarly journals Structure and function of the aging brain

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Nathan Spreng ◽  
Gary R. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Brain Aging ◽  
American Psychological Association ◽  
Functional Change ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

In this opening section of the Aging Brain we set the stage for the contributions that follow by providing a broad overview of the latest advances in our understanding of how the brain changes, both structurally and functionally, across the adult lifespan. We leave domain-specific aspects of brain aging to the subsequent chapters, where contributors will provide more targeted accounts of brain change germane to their particular focus on the aging brain. Here we review the extant, and rapidly expanding literature to provide a brief overview and introduction to structural and functional change that occur with typical brain aging. We begin the chapter by looking back, to review some of the early discoveries about how the brain changes across the adult lifespan. We close the chapter by looking forward, towards new discoveries that challenge our core assumptions about the inevitability or irreversibility of age-related brain changes. These sections serve as bookends for the core of the chapter where we review the latest research advances that continue to uncover the mysteries of the aging brain. Spreng, R.N., Turner, G.R. (2019, forthcoming) Structure and function of the aging brain. In G Samanez-Larkin (Ed.) The aging brain. Washington DC: American Psychological Association.

scholarly journals Administration of anti-ERMAP antibody ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease in mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Liu ◽  
Jin Zhao ◽  
Yujun Lin ◽  
Min Su ◽  
Laijun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Macrophage Phagocytosis ◽  
B7 Family ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating age-related neurodegenerative disorder and characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognitive functions, which are associated with amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques. Immune cells play an important role in the clearance of Aβ deposits. Immune responses are regulated by immune regulators in which the B7 family members play a crucial role. We have recently identified erythroid membrane-associated protein (ERMAP) as a novel B7 family-related immune regulator and shown that ERMAP protein affects T cell and macrophage functions. Methods We produced a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ERMAP protein and then determined the ability of the mAb to affect cognitive performance and AD pathology in mice. Results  We have shown that the anti-ERMAP mAb neutralizes the T cell inhibitory activity of ERMAP and enhances macrophages to phagocytose Aβ in vitro. Administration of the mAb into AD mice improves cognitive performance and reduces Aβ plaque load in the brain. This is related to increased proportion of T cells, especially IFNγ-producing T cells, in the spleen and the choroid plexus (CP), enhanced expression of immune cell trafficking molecules in the CP, and increased migration of monocyte-derived macrophages into the brain. Furthermore, the production of anti-Aβ antibodies in the serum and the macrophage phagocytosis of Aβ are enhanced in the anti-ERMAP mAb-treated AD mice. Conclusions Our results suggest that manipulating the ERMAP pathway has the potential to provide a novel approach to treat AD patients.

scholarly journals Targeting Age-Related Differences in Brain and Cognition with Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Topography Profiling

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander J. Lowe ◽  
Casey Paquola ◽  
Reinder Vos de Wael ◽  
Manesh Girn ◽  
Sara Lariviere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Functional Differentiation ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Apical Position ◽  
Biomarkers Of Aging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cortical Hierarchy ◽  
Healthy Cohort ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Brain

I.AbstractAging is characterised by accumulation of structural and metabolic changes in the brain. Recent studies suggest transmodal brain networks are especially sensitive to aging, which, we hypothesise, may be due to their apical position in the cortical hierarchy. Studying an open-access healthy cohort (n=102, age range = 30-89 years) with MRI and Aβ PET data, we estimated age-related cortical thinning, hippocampal atrophy and Aβ deposition. In addition to carrying out surface-based morphological and metabolic mapping, we stratified effects along neocortical and hippocampal resting-state functional connectome gradients derived from independent datasets. The cortical gradient depicts an axis of functional differentiation from sensory-motor regions to transmodal regions, whereas the hippocampal gradient recapitulates its long-axis. While age-related thinning and increased Aβ deposition occurred across the entire cortical topography, increased Aβ deposition was especially pronounced towards higher-order transmodal regions. Age-related atrophy was greater towards the posterior end of the hippocampal long-axis. No significant effect of age on Aβ deposition in the hippocampus was observed. Imaging markers correlated with behavioural measures of fluid intelligence and episodic memory in a topography-specific manner. Our results strengthen existing evidence of structural and metabolic change in the aging brain and support the use of connectivity gradients as a compact framework to analyse and conceptualize brain-based biomarkers of aging.

scholarly journals Alterations in rhythmic and non-rhythmic resting-state EEG activity and their link to cognition in older age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Cesnaite ◽  
Tim Paul Steinfath ◽  
Mina Jamshidi Idaji ◽  
Tilman Stephani ◽  
Deniz Kumral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Interference Resolution ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Power Spectral ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Brain

While many structural and biochemical changes in the brain have been previously associated with aging, the findings concerning electrophysiological signatures, reflecting functional properties of the neuronal networks, remain rather controversial. To try resolve this issue, we took advantage of a large population study (N=1703) and comprehensively investigated the association of multiple EEG biomarkers (power of alpha and theta oscillations, individual alpha peak frequency (IAF), the slope of 1/f power spectral decay) and aging and cognitive performance. Cognitive performance was captured with three factors representing processing speed, episodic memory, and interference resolution. Our results show that not only did IAF decline with age but it was also associated with interference resolution over multiple cortical areas. To a weaker extent, 1/f slope of the PSD showed age-related reductions, mostly in frontal brain regions. Finally, alpha power was negatively associated with the speed of processing in the right frontal lobe, despite the absence of age-related alterations. Our results thus demonstrate that multiple electrophysiological features, as well as their interplay, should be considered when investigating the association between age, neuronal activity, and cognitive performance.

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