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Yang L, Peng J, Zhang L, Zhang F, Wu J, Zhang X, Pang J, Jiang Y. Advanced Diffusion Tensor Imaging in White Matter Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. World Neurosurg 2024; 189:77-88. [PMID: 38789033 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.05.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is recognized as an especially severe stroke variant, notorious for its high mortality and long-term disability rates, in addition to a range of both immediate and enduring neurologic impacts. Over half of the SAH survivors experience varying degrees of neurologic disorders, with many enduring chronic neuropsychiatric conditions. Due to the limitations of traditional imaging techniques in depicting subtle changes within brain tissues posthemorrhage, the accurate detection and diagnosis of white matter (WM) injuries are complicated. Against this backdrop, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has emerged as a promising biomarker for structural imaging, renowned for its enhanced sensitivity in identifying axonal damage. This capability positions DTI as an invaluable tool for forming precise and expedient prognoses for SAH survivors. This study synthesizes an assessment of DTI for the diagnosis and prognosis of neurologic dysfunctions in patients with SAH, emphasizing the notable changes observed in DTI metrics and their association with potential pathophysiological processes. Despite challenges associated with scanning technology differences and data processing, DTI demonstrates significant clinical potential for early diagnosis of cognitive impairments following SAH and monitoring therapeutic effects. Future research requires the development of highly standardized imaging paradigms to enhance diagnostic accuracy and devise targeted therapeutic strategies for SAH patients. In sum, DTI technology not only augments our understanding of the impact of SAH but also may offer new avenues for improving patient prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinpeng Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xianhui Zhang
- Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Pang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Institute of Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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2
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Ribeiro M, Yordanova YN, Noblet V, Herbet G, Ricard D. White matter tracts and executive functions: a review of causal and correlation evidence. Brain 2024; 147:352-371. [PMID: 37703295 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Executive functions are high-level cognitive processes involving abilities such as working memory/updating, set-shifting and inhibition. These complex cognitive functions are enabled by interactions among widely distributed cognitive networks, supported by white matter tracts. Executive impairment is frequent in neurological conditions affecting white matter; however, whether specific tracts are crucial for normal executive functions is unclear. We review causal and correlation evidence from studies that used direct electrical stimulation during awake surgery for gliomas, voxel-based and tract-based lesion-symptom mapping, and diffusion tensor imaging to explore associations between the integrity of white matter tracts and executive functions in healthy and impaired adults. The corpus callosum was consistently associated with all executive processes, notably its anterior segments. Both causal and correlation evidence showed prominent support of the superior longitudinal fasciculus to executive functions, notably to working memory. More specifically, strong evidence suggested that the second branch of the superior longitudinal fasciculus is crucial for all executive functions, especially for flexibility. Global results showed left lateralization for verbal tasks and right lateralization for executive tasks with visual demands. The frontal aslant tract potentially supports executive functions, however, additional evidence is needed to clarify whether its involvement in executive tasks goes beyond the control of language. Converging evidence indicates that a right-lateralized network of tracts connecting cortical and subcortical grey matter regions supports the performance of tasks assessing response inhibition, some suggesting a role for the right anterior thalamic radiation. Finally, correlation evidence suggests a role for the cingulum bundle in executive functions, especially in tasks assessing inhibition. We discuss these findings in light of current knowledge about the functional role of these tracts, descriptions of the brain networks supporting executive functions and clinical implications for individuals with brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ribeiro
- Service de neuro-oncologie, Hôpital La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France
- Université Paris Saclay, ENS Paris Saclay, Service de Santé des Armées, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Centre Borelli UMR 9010, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Yordanka Nikolova Yordanova
- Service de neurochirurgie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Percy, Service de Santé des Armées, 92140 Clamart, France
| | - Vincent Noblet
- ICube, IMAGeS team, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR 7357, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Guillaume Herbet
- Praxiling, UMR 5267, CNRS, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Département de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France
| | - Damien Ricard
- Université Paris Saclay, ENS Paris Saclay, Service de Santé des Armées, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Centre Borelli UMR 9010, 75006 Paris, France
- Département de neurologie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Percy, Service de Santé des Armées, 92140 Clamart, France
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 75005 Paris, France
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3
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Zhao H, Wen W, Cheng J, Jiang J, Kochan N, Niu H, Brodaty H, Sachdev P, Liu T. An accelerated degeneration of white matter microstructure and networks in the nondemented old-old. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4688-4698. [PMID: 36178117 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nondemented old-old over the age of 80 comprise a rapidly increasing population group; they can be regarded as exemplars of successful aging. However, our current understanding of successful aging in advanced age and its neural underpinnings is limited. In this study, we measured the microstructural and network-based topological properties of brain white matter using diffusion-weighted imaging scans of 419 community-dwelling nondemented older participants. The participants were further divided into 230 young-old (between 72 and 79, mean = 76.25 ± 2.00) and 219 old-old (between 80 and 92, mean = 83.98 ± 2.97). Results showed that white matter connectivity in microstructure and brain networks significantly declined with increased age and that the declined rates were faster in the old-old compared with young-old. Mediation models indicated that cognitive decline was in part through the age effect on the white matter connectivity in the old-old but not in the young-old. Machine learning predictive models further supported the crucial role of declines in white matter connectivity as a neural substrate of cognitive aging in the nondemented older population. Our findings shed new light on white matter connectivity in the nondemented aging brains and may contribute to uncovering the neural substrates of successful brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wen
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jian Cheng
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiyang Jiang
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole Kochan
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Haijun Niu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Perminder Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tao Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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4
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Smith AE, Wade AT, Olds T, Dumuid D, Breakspear MJ, Laver K, Goldsworthy MR, Ridding MC, Fabiani M, Dorrian J, Hunter M, Paton B, Abdolhoseini M, Aziz F, Mellow ML, Collins C, Murphy KJ, Gratton G, Keage H, Smith RT, Karayanidis F. Characterising activity and diet compositions for dementia prevention: protocol for the ACTIVate prospective longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e047888. [PMID: 34987038 PMCID: PMC8734009 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 40% of late-life dementia may be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors, including physical activity and diet. Yet, it is currently unknown how multiple lifestyle factors interact to influence cognition. The ACTIVate Study aims to (1) explore associations between 24-hour time-use and diet compositions with changes in cognition and brain function; and (2) identify duration of time-use behaviours and the dietary compositions to optimise cognition and brain function. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This 3-year prospective longitudinal cohort study will recruit 448 adults aged 60-70 years across Adelaide and Newcastle, Australia. Time-use data will be collected through wrist-worn activity monitors and the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults. Dietary intake will be assessed using the Australian Eating Survey food frequency questionnaire. The primary outcome will be cognitive function, assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III. Secondary outcomes include structural and functional brain measures using MRI, cerebral arterial pulse measured with diffuse optical tomography, neuroplasticity using simultaneous transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography, and electrophysiological markers of cognitive control using event-related potential and time frequency analyses. Compositional data analysis, testing for interactions between time point and compositions, will assess longitudinal associations between dependent (cognition, brain function) and independent (time-use and diet compositions) variables. CONCLUSIONS The ACTIVate Study will be the first to examine associations between time-use and diet compositions, cognition and brain function. Our findings will inform new avenues for multidomain interventions that may more effectively account for the co-dependence between activity and diet behaviours for dementia prevention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been obtained from the University of South Australia's Human Research Ethics committee (202639). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, targeted media releases and community engagement events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001659190).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh E Smith
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alexandra T Wade
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy Olds
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dorothea Dumuid
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael J Breakspear
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Laver
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mitchell R Goldsworthy
- Lifespan Human Neurophysiology Group, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Limited, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael C Ridding
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jillian Dorrian
- Behaviour, Brain and Body Research Centre, Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Montana Hunter
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bryan Paton
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mahmoud Abdolhoseini
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fayeem Aziz
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maddison L Mellow
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Clare Collins
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition and School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen J Murphy
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Hannah Keage
- Behaviour, Brain and Body Research Centre, Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ross T Smith
- Wearable Computer Laboratory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Frini Karayanidis
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Predovan D, Berryman N, Lussier M, Comte F, Vu TTM, Villalpando JM, Bherer L. Assessment of the Relationship Between Executive Function and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Older Adults. Front Psychol 2021; 12:742184. [PMID: 34803824 PMCID: PMC8595132 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.742184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain health in healthy older adults have been reported using a variety of cardiorespiratory fitness estimates (CRFe). Using commonly used methods to determine CRF, we assessed the relationship between CRFe and executive function performance. Healthy older adults (n = 60, mean age 68 years, 77% women), underwent three CRF tests: a Maximal Graded Exercise Test performed on a cycle ergometer, the Rockport Fitness Walking Test, and a Non-Exercise Prediction Equation. Executive function was assessed by a computerized cognitive assessment using an N-Back task (updating cost) and a Stroop task (interference cost, global and local switch cost). Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between different CRFe and executive function performance. Regardless of age and education, cardiorespiratory fitness estimated from the Maximal Graded Exercise Test and the Rockport Fitness Walking Test was significantly associated with the global switch cost. All CRFe were associated with the interference cost. No association was observed between CRFe and local switching costs or the updating costs. In the present study, not all subcomponents of executive function were related to CRFe. Interestingly, the executive functions that were associated with CRFe are those that are known to be the most affected by aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Predovan
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Berryman
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences de l'Activité Physique, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maxime Lussier
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Comte
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Thien Tuong Minh Vu
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Service de Gériatrie, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Louis Bherer
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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6
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Arbula S, Della Puppa A, De Pellegrin S, Denaro L, D'Avella D, Semenza C, Corbetta M, Vallesi A. Rule Perseveration during Task-Switching in Brain Tumor: A Severe Form of Task-Setting Impairment. J Cogn Neurosci 2021; 33:1766-1783. [PMID: 34375415 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
It has been proposed that at least two distinct processes are engaged during task-switching: reconfiguration of the currently relevant task-set and interference resolution arising from the competing task-set. Whereas in healthy individuals the two are difficult to disentangle, their disruption is thought to cause different impairments in brain-damaged patients. Yet, the observed deficits are inconsistent across studies and do not allow drawing conclusions regarding their independence. Forty-one brain tumor patients were tested on a task-switching paradigm. We compared their performance between switch and repeat trials (switch cost) to assess rule reconfiguration, and between trials requiring the same response (congruent) and a different response for the two tasks (incongruent) to assess interference control. In line with previous studies, we found the greatest proportion of errors on incongruent trials, suggesting an interference control impairment. However, a closer look at the distribution of errors between two task rules revealed a rule perseveration impairment: Patients with high error rate on incongruent trials often applied only one task rule throughout the task and less frequently switched to the alternative one. Multivariate lesion-symptom mapping analysis unveiled the relationship between lesions localized in left orbitofrontal and posterior subcortical regions and perseveration scores, measured as absolute difference in accuracy between two task rules. This finding points to a more severe task-setting impairment, not reflected as a mere switching deficit, but instead as a difficulty in creating multiple stable task representations, in line with recent accounts of OFC functions suggesting its critical role in representing task states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Della Puppa
- Neurosurgery, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Italy.,University Hospital of Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Luca Denaro
- University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience & Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Domenico D'Avella
- University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience & Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Semenza
- Department of Neuroscience & Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Corbetta
- University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy.,IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Antonino Vallesi
- Department of Neuroscience & Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy.,IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
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7
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Zimmerman B, Rypma B, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Age-related changes in cerebrovascular health and their effects on neural function and cognition: A comprehensive review. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13796. [PMID: 33728712 PMCID: PMC8244108 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The process of aging includes changes in cellular biology that affect local interactions between cells and their environments and eventually propagate to systemic levels. In the brain, where neurons critically depend on an efficient and dynamic supply of oxygen and glucose, age-related changes in the complex interaction between the brain parenchyma and the cerebrovasculature have effects on health and functioning that negatively impact cognition and play a role in pathology. Thus, cerebrovascular health is considered one of the main mechanisms by which a healthy lifestyle, such as habitual cardiorespiratory exercise and a healthful diet, could lead to improved cognitive outcomes with aging. This review aims at detailing how the physiology of the cerebral vascular system changes with age and how these changes lead to differential trajectories of cognitive maintenance or decline. This provides a framework for generating specific mechanistic hypotheses about the efficacy of proposed interventions and lifestyle covariates that contribute to enhanced cognitive well-being. Finally, we discuss the methodological implications of age-related changes in the cerebral vasculature for human cognitive neuroscience research and propose directions for future experiments aimed at investigating age-related changes in the relationship between physiology and cognitive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Zimmerman
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bart Rypma
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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8
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Wu MT, Tang PF, Tseng WYI, Hsu YC, Chen YJ, Goh JOS, Chou TL, Chang YK, Gau SSF, Lan C. Integrity of the Prefronto-striato-thalamo-prefrontal Loop Predicts Tai Chi Chuan Training Effects on Cognitive Task-switching in Middle-aged and Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 12:602191. [PMID: 33658915 PMCID: PMC7917054 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.602191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) exercise has been shown to improve cognitive task-switching performance in older adults, but the extent of this positive effect varies among individuals. Past research also shows that brain white matter integrity could predict behavioral gains of cognitive and motor learning. Therefore, in this randomized controlled trial (NCT02270320), we examined whether baseline integrity of three target white matter tract groups was predictive of task-switching improvement after 12-week TCC training in middle-aged and older adults. Thirty-eight eligible participants were randomly assigned to a TCC group (n = 19) and a control group (n = 19). Cognitive task-switching and physical performances were collected before and after training. Brain diffusion spectrum MR images were acquired before training and the general fractional anisotropy (GFA) of each target white matter tract group was calculated to indicate baseline white matter integrity of that group. Correlation and regression analyses between these GFAs and post-training task-switching improvement were analyzed using adjusted p-values. After 12 weeks, significant task-switching and physical performance improvements were found only in the TCC group. Moreover, higher baseline GFA of the prefronto-striato-thalamo-prefrontal loop fibers (r = −0.63, p = 0.009), but not of the prefronto-parietal/occipital (r = −0.55, p = 0.026) and callosal (r = −0.35, p = 0.189) fiber groups, was associated with greater reductions of task-switching errors after the TCC training. Multiple regression analysis revealed that baseline GFA of the prefronto-striato-thalamo-prefrontal loop fibers was the only independent white matter integrity predictor of task-switching error reductions after TCC training (β = −0.620, adjusted R2 change = 0.265, p = 0.009). These findings not only highlight the important role of baseline integrity of the prefronto-striatal circuits in influencing the extent of positive cognitive task-switching effects from short-term TCC training, but also implicate that preserving good white matter integrity in the aging process may be crucial in order to gain the best cognitive effects of exercise interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Tien Wu
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Yonghe Cardinal Tien Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fang Tang
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yih Isaac Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Hsu
- College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Joshua O S Goh
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Li Chou
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching Lan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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9
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Karayanidis F, McKewen M. More than “just a test”—Task-switching paradigms offer an early warning system for cognitive decline. PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.plm.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Impaired error awareness in healthy older adults: an age group comparison study. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 96:58-67. [PMID: 32949902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with reduced conscious error detection but the brain regions mediating these changes have yet to be clarified. The present study examined the neural correlates of error awareness in healthy older adults. Sixteen older participants (mean age = 75.5 years) and sixteen younger controls (mean age = 27.9 years) were administered the error awareness task, a go/no-go response inhibition paradigm, in which participants were required to signal commission errors. Compared with young adults, older adults were significantly poorer at consciously detecting performance errors, despite both groups being matched for overall accuracy. This age-related behavioral effect was associated with differences in error-related dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and insula activation, with younger adults showing significant differences between errors made with versus without awareness compared with older adults. By contrast, an age-specific modulation in right inferior parietal lobule activation emerged, with increased right inferior parietal lobule activity occurring in older adults during errors made with awareness compared with younger adults. These findings are consistent with theories of age-related deterioration in error processing mechanisms.
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11
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Conley AC, Karayanidis F, Jolly TAD, Yang MH, Hsieh S. Cerebral Arterial Pulsatility and Global White Matter Microstructure Impact Spatial Working Memory in Older Adults With and Without Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:245. [PMID: 32848715 PMCID: PMC7427001 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with an increased prevalence of vascular health conditions that are linked to a disruption in the cerebral vasculature and white matter microstructural organization. In people with cardiovascular risk factors, increased cerebral arterial pulsatility is associated with poorer white matter microstructural organization and cognitive functioning. This study examines the relationship among arterial pulsatility, white matter microstructural organization, and cognitive ability in a healthy adult lifespan sample. One hundred and eighty-nine adults were divided into a younger adult (<50 years, n = 97) and older adult (>50 years, n = 92). The latter were further subdivided into two subgroups with (CV+, n = 25) and without (CV−, n = 67) cardiovascular risk factors. Arterial pulsatility was measured using cardiac-gated phase-contrast flow quantification sequence and three indexes of whole-brain white matter microstructural organization [i.e., fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RaD), mean diffusivity (MD)] were derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Cognitive ability was assessed using global cognitive functioning (MoCA) and a measure of working memory [sensitivity (d′) from a 2-back task]. Neither the whole group analysis nor the younger adult group showed an association between measures of arterial pulsatility, global white matter microstructural organization, and cognition. In older adults, higher MD and RaD were associated with increased arterial pulsatility and poorer working memory performance. The indirect pathway from arterial pulsatility to working memory performance via both MD and RaD measures was significant in this group. Interestingly, a comparison of CV+ and CV− subgroups showed that this mediating relationship was only evident in older adults with at least one CV risk factor. These findings are consistent with cardiovascular risk factors as underlying arterial, white matter, and cognitive decline in cognitively normal older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Conley
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Cognitive Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Frini Karayanidis
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Todd A D Jolly
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Meng-Heng Yang
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department and Institute of Public health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shulan Hsieh
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department and Institute of Public health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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12
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Kong TS, Gratton C, Low KA, Tan CH, Chiarelli AM, Fletcher MA, Zimmerman B, Maclin EL, Sutton BP, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Age-related differences in functional brain network segregation are consistent with a cascade of cerebrovascular, structural, and cognitive effects. Netw Neurosci 2020; 4:89-114. [PMID: 32043045 PMCID: PMC7006874 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related declines in cognition are associated with widespread structural and functional brain changes, including changes in resting-state functional connectivity and gray and white matter status. Recently we have shown that the elasticity of cerebral arteries also explains some of the variance in cognitive and brain health in aging. Here, we investigated how network segregation, cerebral arterial elasticity (measured with pulse-DOT-the arterial pulse based on diffuse optical tomography) and gray and white matter status jointly account for age-related differences in cognitive performance. We hypothesized that at least some of the variance in brain and cognitive aging is linked to reduced cerebrovascular elasticity, leading to increased cortical atrophy and white matter abnormalities, which, in turn, are linked to reduced network segregation and decreases in cognitive performance. Pairwise comparisons between these variables are consistent with an exploratory hierarchical model linking them, especially when focusing on association network segregation (compared with segregation in sensorimotor networks). These findings suggest that preventing or slowing age-related changes in one or more of these factors may induce a neurophysiological cascade beneficial for preserving cognition in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania S. Kong
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Caterina Gratton
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, IL, USA
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, IL, USA
| | - Kathy A. Low
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Chin Hong Tan
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Division of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antonio M. Chiarelli
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mark A. Fletcher
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Edward L. Maclin
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Bradley P. Sutton
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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13
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Abstract
Healthy aging is associated with numerous deficits in cognitive function, which have been attributed to changes within the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This chapter summarizes some of the most prominent cognitive changes associated with age-related alterations in the anatomy and physiology of the PFC. Specifically, aging of the PFC results in deficient aspects of cognitive control, including sustained attention, selective attention, inhibitory control, working memory, and multitasking abilities. Yet, not all cognitive functions associated with the PFC exhibit age-related declines, such as arithmetic, comprehension, emotion perception, and emotional control. Moreover, not all older adults exhibit declines in cognition. Multiple life-course and lifestyle factors, as well as genetics, play a role in the trajectory of cognitive performance across the life span. Thus many adults retain cognitive function well into advanced age. Moreover, the brain remains plastic throughout life and there is increasing evidence that most age-related declines in cognition can be remediated by various methods such as physical exercise, cognitive training, or noninvasive brain stimulation. Overall, because cognitive aging is associated with numerous life-course and lifestyle factors, successful aging likely begins in early life, while maintaining cognition or remediating declines is a life-long process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore P Zanto
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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14
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Pang J, Peng J, Yang P, Kuai L, Chen L, Zhang JH, Jiang Y. White Matter Injury in Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Cell Transplant 2018; 28:26-35. [PMID: 30442028 PMCID: PMC6322133 DOI: 10.1177/0963689718812054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a major cause of high morbidity, disability, and mortality in the field of neurovascular disease. Most previous SAH studies have focused on improving cerebral blood flow, reducing cerebral vasospasm, reducing neuronal calcium overload, and other treatments. While these studies showed exciting findings in basic science, therapeutic strategies based on the findings have not significantly improved neurological outcomes in patients with SAH. Currently, the only drug proven to effectively reduce the neurological defects of SAH patients is nimodipine. Current advances in imaging technologies in the field of stroke have confirmed that white matter injury (WMI) plays an important role in the prognosis of types of stroke, and suggests that WMI protection is essential for functional recovery and poststroke rehabilitation. However, WMI injury in relation to SAH has remained obscure until recently. An increasing number of studies suggest that the current limitations for SAH treatment are probably linked to overlooked WMI in previous studies that focused only on neurons and gray matter. In this review, we discuss the biology and functions of white matter in the normal brain, and discuss the potential pathophysiology and mechanisms of early brain injury after SAH. Our review demonstrates that WMI encompasses multiple substrates, and, therefore, more than one pharmacological approach is necessary to preserve WMI and prevent neurobehavioral impairment after SAH. Strategies targeting both neuronal injury and WMI may potentially provide a novel future for SAH knowledge and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Pang
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianhua Peng
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Yang
- 2 Department of Vasculocardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Kuai
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - John H Zhang
- 4 Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA, USA
| | - Yong Jiang
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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15
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Vasta R, Cutini S, Cerasa A, Gramigna V, Olivadese G, Arabia G, Quattrone A. Physiological Aging Influence on Brain Hemodynamic Activity during Task-Switching: A fNIRS Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 9:433. [PMID: 29375363 PMCID: PMC5767724 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Task-switching (TS) paradigm is a well-known validated tool useful for exploring the neural substrates of cognitive control, in particular the activity of the lateral and medial prefrontal cortex. This work is aimed at investigating how physiological aging influences hemodynamic response during the execution of a color-shape TS paradigm. A multi-channel near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure hemodynamic activity in 27 young (30.00 ± 7.90 years) and 11 elderly participants (57.18 ± 9.29 years) healthy volunteers (55% male, age range: (19-69) years) during the execution of a TS paradigm. Two holders were placed symmetrically over the left/right hemispheres to record cortical activity [oxy-(HbO) and deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR) concentration] of the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the dorsal premotor cortex (PMC), and the dorso-medial part of the superior frontal gyrus (sFG). TS paradigm requires participants to repeat the same task over a variable number of trials, and then to switch to a different task during the trial sequence. A two-sample t-test was carried out to detect differences in cortical responses between groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of age on the prefrontal neural activity. Elderly participants were significantly slower than young participants in both color- (p < 0.01, t = -3.67) and shape-single tasks (p = 0.026, t = -2.54) as well as switching (p = 0.026, t = -2.41) and repetition trials (p = 0.012, t = -2.80). Differences in cortical activation between groups were revealed for HbO mean concentration of switching task in the PMC (p = 0.048, t = 2.94). In the whole group, significant increases of behavioral performance were detected in switching trials, which positively correlated with aging. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the HbO mean concentration of switching task in the PMC (p = 0.01, β = -0.321) and of shape single-task in the sFG (p = 0.003, β = 0.342) were the best predictors of age effects. Our findings demonstrated that TS might be a reliable instrument to gather a measure of cognitive resources in older people. Moreover, the fNIRS-related brain activity extracted from frontoparietal cortex might become a useful indicator of aging effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vasta
- Neuroscience Research Center, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simone Cutini
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, Neuroimaging Research Center, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Catanzaro, Italy.,Institute S. Anna, Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation, Crotone, Italy
| | - Vera Gramigna
- Neuroscience Research Center, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Olivadese
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, Neuroimaging Research Center, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gennarina Arabia
- Institute S. Anna, Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation, Crotone, Italy
| | - Aldo Quattrone
- Neuroscience Research Center, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.,Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, Neuroimaging Research Center, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Catanzaro, Italy.,Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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16
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Li P, Tsapanou A, Qolamreza RR, Gazes Y. White matter integrity mediates decline in age-related inhibitory control. Behav Brain Res 2017; 339:249-254. [PMID: 29126930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous DTI studies have reported associations between white matter integrity and performance on the Stroop interference task. The current study aimed to add to these studies of inhibitory control by investigating how the differences in age and in white matter integrity relate to Stroop performance, and to examine whether the effect of age on Stroop performance is mediated by white matter integrity. 179 healthy adults from 20 to 80 years old were recruited in the study. DTI data were processed through TRACULA and the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) of 18 major white matter tracts were extracted and used for statistical analysis. Correlation analysis showed a strong negative relationship between age and the Stroop interference score (IG). Higher IG indicated better inhibitory control. Simple linear regression analyses indicated that most of the tracts showed negative relationships with age, and positive relationships with IG. Moderation effect of age on the relationship between FA and IG was tested on tracts that significantly predicted IG after multiple comparison corrections, but none of these moderations were significant. Then we tested if these tracts mediated the effect of age on IG and found significant indirect effects of age on IG through the FA of the left corticospinal tract and through the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Our results highlight the role of a number of major white matter tracts in the processes supporting the Stroop inhibitory performance and further pinpointed the lower white matter integrity of specific tracts as contributors to the decrease in inhibitory control ability associated with the Stroop test in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Li
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W168th Street, P&S Box 16, New York, NY 10032, United States.
| | - Angeliki Tsapanou
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W168th Street, P&S Box 16, New York, NY 10032, United States.
| | - Razlighi R Qolamreza
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W168th Street, P&S Box 16, New York, NY 10032, United States.
| | - Yunglin Gazes
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W168th Street, P&S Box 16, New York, NY 10032, United States.
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17
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Individual differences in regional cortical volumes across the life span are associated with regional optical measures of arterial elasticity. Neuroimage 2017; 162:199-213. [PMID: 28866349 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is often accompanied by changes in brain anatomy and cerebrovascular health. However, the specific relationship between declines in regional cortical volumes and loss of cerebral arterial elasticity is less clear, as only global or very localized estimates of cerebrovascular health have been available. Here we employed a novel tomographic optical method (pulse-DOT) to derive local estimates of cerebral arterial elasticity and compared regional volumetric estimates (obtained with FreeSurfer) with optical arterial elasticity estimates from the same regions in 47 healthy adults (aged 18-75). Between-subject analyses revealed a global correlation between cortical volume and cortical arterial elasticity, which was a significant mediator of the association between age and cortical volume. Crucially, a novel within-subject analysis highlighted the spatial association between regional variability in cortical volumes and arterial elasticity in the same regions. This association strengthened with age. Gains in the predictability of cortical volumes from arterial elasticity data were obtained by sharpening the resolution up to individual cortical regions. These results indicate that some of the variance of sub-clinical age-related brain atrophy is associated with differences in the status of cerebral arteries, and can help explain the unique patterns of brain atrophy found within each individual.
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