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Ni H, Xue J, Qin J, Zhang Y. Accurate identification of individuals with subjective cognitive decline using 3D regional fractal dimensions on structural magnetic resonance imaging. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 254:108281. [PMID: 38924798 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Accurate identification of individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is crucial for early intervention and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Fractal dimensionality (FD) has emerged as a robust and replicable measure, surpassing traditional geometric metrics, in characterizing the intricate fractal geometrical properties of brain structure. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of FD in identifying individuals with SCD remains largely unclear. A 3D regional FD method can be suggested to characterize and quantify the spatial complexity of the precise gray matter, providing insights into cognitive aging and aiding in the automated identification of individuals with SCD. METHODS This study introduces a novel integer ratio based 3D box-counting fractal analysis (IRBCFA) to quantify regional fractal dimensions (FDs) in structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The innovative method overcomes limitations of conventional box-counting techniques by accommodating arbitrary box sizes, thereby enhancing the precision of FD estimation in small, yet neurologically significant, brain regions. RESULTS The application of IRBCFA to two publicly available datasets, OASIS-3 and ADNI, consisting of 520 and 180 subjects, respectively. The method identified discriminative regions of interest (ROIs) predominantly within the limbic system, fronto-parietal region, occipito-temporal region, and basal ganglia-thalamus region. These ROIs exhibited significant correlations with cognitive functions, including executive functioning, memory, social cognition, and sensory perception, suggesting their potential as neuroimaging markers for SCD. The identification model trained on these ROIs demonstrated exceptional performance achieving over 93 % accuracy on the discovery dataset and exceeding 87 % on the independent testing dataset. Furthermore, an exchange experiment between datasets revealed a substantial overlap in discriminative ROIs, highlighting the robustness of our method across diverse populations. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that IRBCFA can serve as a valuable tool for quantifying the spatial complexity of gray matter, providing insights into cognitive aging and aiding in the automated identification of individuals with SCD. The demonstrated generalizability and robustness of this method position it as a promising tool for neurodegenerative disease research and offer potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangjing Ni
- School of Computer Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Jing Xue
- School of Computer Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Jiaolong Qin
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Perception and Systems for High-Dimensional Information of Ministry of Education, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
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2
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Porricelli D, Tecilla M, Pucci V, Di Rosa E, Mondini S, Cappelletti M. Cognitive reserve modulates mental health in adulthood. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:139. [PMID: 38954168 PMCID: PMC11219466 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02776-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive Reserve (CR) reflects acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout life, and it is known for modulating cognitive efficiency in healthy and clinical populations. CR, which was initially proposed to explain individual differences in the clinical presentation of dementia, has subsequently been extended to healthy ageing, showing its role in cognitive efficiency also during middle age. Recently, CR has been linked to affective processes in psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, major depressive and anxiety symptoms, and psychological distress, suggesting its potential role in emotional expression and regulation. Whether the role of CR in mental health extends to non-pathological adults, and whether this is only relevant in older age is not yet clear. The aim of this work was therefore to explore the relationship between CR and mental health in healthy adults, with a focus on middle adulthood (40-60). In a sample of 96 participants, we found a positive association between CR and mental health outcomes, such that a higher cognitive reserve index corresponded to fewer mental health reported symptoms. Specifically, a higher CR reflecting professional activities was associated with lower stress levels, especially in middle agers. Taken together, these data therefore suggest that engaging occupations may help maintain a robust mental health, especially by reducing stress symptoms during middle age. These results broaden previous findings suggesting that CR relates to affective components of mental health in middle aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Veronica Pucci
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Centre (HIT), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Di Rosa
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Mondini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Centre (HIT), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization (DPSS), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
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Bojang KP, Manchana V. Impact of vegetarianism on cognition and neuropsychological status among urban community-dwelling adults in Telangana, South India: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:1089-1101. [PMID: 38305863 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03328-8] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The potential benefits of vegetarian diets in reducing cognitive impairment have garnered attention due to existing mixed results; hence, our study aims to examine the impact of vegetarianism on cognitive function and neuropsychological status among urban community-dwelling adults from Telangana. METHODS The dietary patterns were self-reported and dietary data collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire while cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) questionnaire for psychological measures. Adults (N = 304) aged 40 years and above, who followed either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet for at least 6 months prior to data collection, scored MMSE ≥ 19 indicating mild cognitive impairment, and were recruited using convenience sampling. RESULTS Among the participants, vegetarians (n = 155) exhibited significantly better mood states compared to non-vegetarians (n = 149), as indicated by lower scores on the DASS subscales for depression (10.0 ± 0.06 vs. 17.0 ± 0.07, p = < 0.001), anxiety (4.0 ± 0.05 vs. 6.0 ± 0.07, p = 0.005), and stress (8.0 ± 0.02 vs. 10.0 ± 0.05, p = 0.007). Vegetarians also demonstrated superior cognitive functioning compared to non-vegetarians, as indicated by higher MMSE scores (26.0 ± 0.04 vs. 24.0 ± 0.03, p = < 0.001). MMSE scores were inversely correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress for vegetarians (ρ = - 0.371, p = 0.000; ρ = - 0.027, p = 0.734; and ρ = - 0.105, p = 0.914), respectively. Similar to the vegetarians group, MMSE scores were negatively correlated with depression (ρ = - 0.059), but the correlation is not significant. CONCLUSION Vegetarianism exerted a positive influence on the cognitive and neuropsychological status of the investigated population. Nevertheless, additional research is required to comprehend the underlying mechanisms that elucidate the long-term effects of vegetarianism and plant-based nutritional interventions on brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Varalakshmi Manchana
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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4
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Kwak S, Kim H, Chey J. Distinct neuroanatomical correlates of interference-related verbal episodic memory test in healthy older adults. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024; 31:97-113. [PMID: 36082908 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2022.2122392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Verbal learning test can include a trial of interference process that intrude initial learning and impose additional cognitive stress. However, it has been unclear whether the multiple memory processes underly different brain structural bases. We measured performances of word retrieval that represents distinct memory processes (initial learning, interference, and retention) and regional gray matter morphology from 230 cognitively unimpaired older adults. We identified three distinct multivariate pattern modes using canonical correlation analysis that map correspondence between memory and brain morphometry. The first mode comprised weights highly loaded on temporal lobe and overall performances. The second mode reflected subcortical volumes and initial learning performances. The third mode comprised thickness in the lateral prefrontal and parietal cortex and captured an ability to resist retroactive interference effect. While overall test performance reflected the temporal lobe and whole-gray matter volume, the interim trial of interference signifies neural correlates extending to subcortical and frontoparietal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyul Kwak
- Department of Psychology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hairin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University College Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeanyung Chey
- Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Swedish Normative Data for Mindmore: A Comprehensive Cognitive Screening Battery, Both Digital and Self-Administrated. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2022; 28:188-202. [PMID: 34027854 DOI: 10.1017/s135561772100045x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment is a key element in most mental disorders. Its objective assessment at initial patient contact in primary care can lead to better adjusted and timely care with personalised treatment and recovery. To enable this, we designed the Mindmore self-administrative cognitive screening battery. What is presented here is normative data for the Mindmore battery for the Swedish population. METHOD A total of 720 healthy adults (17 to 93 years) completed the Mindmore screening battery, which consists of 14 individual tests across five cognitive domains: attention and processing speed, memory, language, visuospatial functions and executive functions. Regression-based normative data were established for 42 test result measures, investigating linear, non-linear and interaction effects between age, education and sex. RESULTS The test results were most affected by age and to a lesser extent by education and sex. All but one test displayed either linear or accelerated age-related decline, or a U-shaped association with age. All but two tests showed beneficial effects of education, either linear or subsiding after 12 years of educational attainment. Sex affected tests in the memory and executive domains. In three tests, an interaction between age and education revealed an increased benefit of education later in life. CONCLUSION This study provides normative models for 14 traditional cognitive tests adapted for self-administration through a digital platform. The models will enable more accurate interpretation of test results, hopefully leading to improved clinical decision making and better care for patients with cognitive impairment.
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Sakurai R, Bartha R, Montero-Odasso M. Entorhinal Cortex Volume Is Associated With Dual-Task Gait Cost Among Older Adults With MCI: Results From the Gait and Brain Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 74:698-704. [PMID: 29767690 PMCID: PMC6477635 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/gly084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low dual-task gait performance (the slowing of gait speed while performing a demanding cognitive task) is associated with low cognitive performance and an increased risk of progression to dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. However, the reason for this remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between dual-task cost and regional brain volume, focusing on the hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, entorhinal cortex, and motor and lateral frontal cortices in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods Forty older adults with mild cognitive impairment from the “Gait and Brain Study” were included in this study. Gait velocity was measured during single-task (ie, walking alone) and dual-task (ie, counting backwards, subtracting serial sevens, and naming animals, in addition to walking) conditions, using an electronic walkway. Regional brain volumes were derived by automated segmentation, using 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Results Partial rank correlation analyses demonstrated that a smaller volume of the left entorhinal cortex was associated with higher dual-task costs in counting backwards and subtracting serial sevens conditions. Subsequent logistic regression analyses demonstrated that a smaller volume of the left entorhinal cortex was independently associated with higher dual-task cost (slowing down >20% when performing cognitive task) in these two conditions. There were no other significant associations. Conclusions Our results show that lower dual-task gait performance is associated with volume reduction in the entorhinal cortex. Cognitive and motor dysfunction in older adults with mild cognitive impairment may reflect a shared pathogenic mechanism, and dual-task-related gait changes might be a surrogate motor marker for Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Sakurai
- Gait and Brain Lab, Parkwood Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Japan
| | - Robert Bartha
- Center for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Manuel Montero-Odasso
- Gait and Brain Lab, Parkwood Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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7
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Abstract
Technologies for imaging the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) now permit studies of the relationships between the two major proteins deposited in this disease - amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau - and their effects on measures of neurodegeneration and cognition in humans. Deposition of Aβ in the medial parietal cortex appears to be the first stage in the development of AD, although tau aggregates in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) precede Aβ deposition in cognitively healthy older people. Whether aggregation of tau in the MTL is the first stage in AD or a fairly benign phenomenon that may be transformed and spread in the presence of Aβ is a major unresolved question. Despite a strong link between Aβ and tau, the relationship between Aβ and neurodegeneration is weak; rather, it is tau that is associated with brain atrophy and hypometabolism, which, in turn, are related to cognition. Although there is support for an interaction between Aβ and tau resulting in neurodegeneration that leads to dementia, the unknown nature of this interaction, the strikingly different patterns of brain Aβ and tau deposition and the appearance of neurodegeneration in the absence of Aβ and tau are challenges to this model that ultimately must be explained.
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Smolker HR, Friedman NP, Hewitt JK, Banich MT. Neuroanatomical Correlates of the Unity and Diversity Model of Executive Function in Young Adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:283. [PMID: 30083098 PMCID: PMC6064948 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the neuroanatomical correlates of individual differences in executive function (EF) is integral to a complete characterization of the neural systems supporting cognition. While studies have investigated EF-neuroanatomy relationships in adults, these studies often include samples with wide variation in age, which may mask relationships between neuroanatomy and EF specific to certain neurodevelopmental time points, and such studies often use unreliable single task measures of EF. Here we address both issues. First, we focused on a specific age at which the majority of neurodevelopmental changes are complete but at which age-related atrophy is not likely (N = 251; mean age of 28.71 years, SD = 0.57). Second, we assessed EF through multiple tasks, deriving three factors scores guided by the unity/diversity model of EF, which posits a common EF factor that influences all EF tasks, as well as an updating-specific and shifting-specific factor. We found that better common EF was associated with greater volume and surface area of regions in right middle frontal gyrus/frontal pole, right inferior temporal gyrus, as well as fractional anisotropy in portions of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (rSLF) and the left anterior thalamic radiation. Better updating-specific ability was associated with greater cortical thickness of a cluster in left cuneus/precuneus, and reduced cortical thickness in regions of right superior frontal gyrus and right middle/superior temporal gyrus, but no aspects of white matter diffusion. In contrast, better shifting-specific ability was not associated with gray matter characteristics, but rather was associated with increased mean diffusivity and reduced radial diffusivity throughout much of the brain and reduced axial diffusivity in distinct clusters of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus, the corpus callosum, and the right optic radiation. These results demonstrate that associations between individual differences in EF ability and regional neuroanatomical properties occur not only within classic brain networks thought to support EF, but also in a variety of other regions and white matter tracts. These relationships appear to differ from observations made in emerging adults (Smolker et al., 2015), which might indicate that the brain systems associated with EF continue to experience behaviorally relevant maturational process beyond the early 20s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry R Smolker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Naomi P Friedman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - John K Hewitt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Marie T Banich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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9
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Rast P, Kennedy KM, Rodrigue KM, Robinson PRAW, Gross AL, McLaren DG, Grabowski T, Schaie KW, Willis SL. APOEε4 Genotype and Hypertension Modify 8-year Cortical Thinning: Five Occasion Evidence from the Seattle Longitudinal Study. Cereb Cortex 2018; 28:1934-1945. [PMID: 28444388 PMCID: PMC6019039 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated individual differences in longitudinal trajectories of brain aging in cognitively normal healthy adults from the Seattle Longitudinal Study covering 8 years of longitudinal change (across 5 occasions) in cortical thickness in 249 midlife and older adults (52-95 years old). We aimed to understand true brain change; examine the influence of salient risk factors that modify an individual's rate of cortical thinning; and compare cross-sectional age-related differences in cortical thickness to longitudinal within-person cortical thinning. We used Multivariate Multilevel Modeling to simultaneously model dependencies among 5 lobar composites (Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital, and Cingulate [CING]) and account for the longitudinal nature of the data. Results indicate (1) all 5 lobar composites significantly atrophied across 8 years, showing nonlinear longitudinal rate of cortical thinning decelerated over time, (2) longitudinal thinning was significantly altered by hypertension and Apolipoprotein-E ε4 (APOEε4), varying by location: Frontal and CING thinned more rapidly in APOEε4 carriers. Notably, thinning of parietal and occipital cortex showed synergistic effect of combined risk factors, where individuals who were both APOEε4 carriers and hypertensive had significantly greater 8-year thinning than those with either risk factor alone or neither risk factor, (3) longitudinal thinning was 3 times greater than cross-sectional estimates of age-related differences in thickness in parietal and occipital cortices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Rast
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kristen M Kennedy
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Vital Longevity, The University of Texas at Dallas, 1600 Viceroy Drive, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Karen M Rodrigue
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Vital Longevity, The University of Texas at Dallas, 1600 Viceroy Drive, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Paul R A W Robinson
- Department of Radiology, Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC), University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alden L Gross
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg, School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Tom Grabowski
- Department of Radiology, Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC), University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - K Warner Schaie
- Department of Radiology, Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC), University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Seattle Longitudinal Study, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 2500 Sixth Ave N., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sherry L Willis
- Department of Radiology, Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC), University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Seattle Longitudinal Study, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 2500 Sixth Ave N., Seattle, WA, USA
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Saarela C, Joutsa J, Laine M, Parkkola R, Rinne JO, Karrasch M. Regional gray matter correlates of memory for emotion-laden words in middle-aged and older adults: A voxel-based morphometry study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182541. [PMID: 28771634 PMCID: PMC5542677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotional content is known to enhance memory in a content-dependent manner in healthy populations. In middle-aged and older adults, a reduced preference for negative material, or even an enhanced preference for positive material has been observed. This preference seems to be modulated by the emotional arousal that the material evokes. The neuroanatomical basis for emotional memory processes is, however, not well understood in middle-aged and older healthy people. Previous research on local gray matter correlates of emotional memory in older populations has mainly been conducted with patients suffering from various neurodegenerative diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine regional gray matter correlates of immediate free recall and recognition memory of intentionally encoded positive, negative, and emotionally neutral words using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in a sample of 50-to-79-year-old cognitively intact normal adults. The behavioral analyses yielded a positivity bias in recognition memory, but not in immediate free recall. No associations with memory performance emerged from the region-of-interest (ROI) analyses using amygdalar and hippocampal volumes. Controlling for total intracranial volume, age, and gender, the whole-brain VBM analyses showed statistically significant associations between immediate free recall of negative words and volumes in various frontal regions, between immediate free recall of positive words and cerebellar volume, and between recognition memory of positive words and primary visual cortex volume. The findings indicate that the neural areas subserving memory for emotion-laden information encompass posterior brain areas, including the cerebellum, and that memory for emotion-laden information may be driven by cognitive control functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Saarela
- Department of Psychology, Abo Akademi University, Åbo, Finland
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Joutsa
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Neurology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Matti Laine
- Department of Psychology, Abo Akademi University, Åbo, Finland
- Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Parkkola
- Department of Radiology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Radiology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juha O Rinne
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Mira Karrasch
- Department of Psychology, Abo Akademi University, Åbo, Finland
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11
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Ferreira D, Machado A, Molina Y, Nieto A, Correia R, Westman E, Barroso J. Cognitive Variability during Middle-Age: Possible Association with Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Reserve. Front Aging Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28649200 PMCID: PMC5465264 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Increased variability in cognition with age has been argued as an indication of pathological processes. Focusing on early detection of neurodegenerative disorders, we investigated variability in cognition in healthy middle-aged adults. In order to understand possible determinants of this variability, we also investigated associations with cognitive reserve, neuroimaging markers, subjective memory complaints, depressive symptomatology, and gender. Method: Thirty-one 50 ± 2 years old individuals were investigated as target group and deviation was studied in comparison to a reference younger group of 30 individuals 40 ± 2 years old. Comprehensive neuropsychological and structural imaging protocols were collected. Brain regional volumes and cortical thickness were calculated with FreeSurfer, white matter hyperintensities with CASCADE, and mean diffusivity with FSL. Results: Across-individuals variability showed greater dispersion in lexical access, processing speed, executive functions, and memory. Variability in global cognition correlated with, reduced cortical thickness in the right parietal-temporal-occipital association cortex, and increased mean diffusivity in the cingulum bundle and right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus. A trend was also observed for the correlation between global cognition and hippocampal volume and female gender. All these associations were influenced by cognitive reserve. No correlations were found with subjective memory complaints, white matter hyperintensities and depressive symptomatology. Across-domains and across-tasks variability was greater in several executive components and cognitive processing speed. Conclusion: Variability in cognition during middle-age is associated with neurodegeneration in the parietal–temporal–occipital association cortex and white matter tracts connecting this to the prefrontal dorsolateral cortex and the hippocampus. Moreover, this effect is influenced by cognitive reserve. Studying variability offers valuable information showing that differences do not occur in the same magnitude and direction across individuals, cognitive domains and tasks. These findings may have important implications for early detection of subtle cognitive impairment and clinical interpretation of deviation from normality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ferreira
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics-Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Psychology, University of La LagunaLa Laguna, Spain
| | - Alejandra Machado
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics-Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Psychology, University of La LagunaLa Laguna, Spain
| | - Yaiza Molina
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La LagunaLa Laguna, Spain.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa CanariasLas Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonieta Nieto
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La LagunaLa Laguna, Spain
| | - Rut Correia
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La LagunaLa Laguna, Spain.,Facultad de Educación, Universidad Diego PortalesSantiago, Chile
| | - Eric Westman
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics-Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden
| | - José Barroso
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La LagunaLa Laguna, Spain
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12
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Manard M, Bahri MA, Salmon E, Collette F. Relationship between grey matter integrity and executive abilities in aging. Brain Res 2016; 1642:562-580. [PMID: 27107940 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study was designed to investigate grey matter changes that occur in healthy aging and the relationship between grey matter characteristics and executive functioning. Thirty-six young adults (18-30 years old) and 43 seniors (60-75 years old) were included. A general executive score was derived from a large battery of neuropsychological tests assessing three major aspects of executive functioning (inhibition, updating and shifting). Age-related grey matter changes were investigated by comparing young and older adults using voxel-based morphometry and voxel-based cortical thickness methods. A widespread difference in grey matter volume was found across many brain regions, whereas cortical thinning was mainly restricted to central areas. Multivariate analyses showed age-related changes in relatively similar brain regions to the respective univariate analyses but appeared more limited. Finally, in the older adult sample, a significant relationship between global executive performance and decreased grey matter volume in anterior (i.e. frontal, insular and cingulate cortex) but also some posterior brain areas (i.e. temporal and parietal cortices) as well as subcortical structures was observed. Results of this study highlight the distribution of age-related effects on grey matter volume and show that cortical atrophy does not appear primarily in "frontal" brain regions. From a cognitive viewpoint, age-related executive functioning seems to be related to grey matter volume but not to cortical thickness. Therefore, our results also highlight the influence of methodological aspects (from preprocessing to statistical analysis) on the pattern of results, which could explain the lack of consensus in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Manard
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre: In vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Allée du 6 Août 8, Bât B30, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Boulevard du Rectorat 3, Bât B33, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Ali Bahri
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre: In vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Allée du 6 Août 8, Bât B30, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Eric Salmon
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre: In vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Allée du 6 Août 8, Bât B30, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Collette
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre: In vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Allée du 6 Août 8, Bât B30, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Boulevard du Rectorat 3, Bât B33, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Reversal of age-associated cognitive deficits is accompanied by increased plasticity-related gene expression after chronic antidepressant administration in middle-aged mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 135:70-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Gautam P, Anstey KJ, Wen W, Sachdev PS, Cherbuin N. Cortical gyrification and its relationships with cortical volume, cortical thickness, and cognitive performance in healthy mid-life adults. Behav Brain Res 2015; 287:331-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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15
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Fears SC, Schür R, Sjouwerman R, Service SK, Araya C, Araya X, Bejarano J, Knowles E, Gomez-Makhinson J, Lopez MC, Aldana I, Teshiba TM, Abaryan Z, Al-Sharif NB, Navarro L, Tishler TA, Altshuler L, Bartzokis G, Escobar JI, Glahn DC, Thompson PM, Lopez-Jaramillo C, Macaya G, Molina J, Reus VI, Sabatti C, Cantor RM, Freimer NB, Bearden CE. Brain structure-function associations in multi-generational families genetically enriched for bipolar disorder. Brain 2015; 138:2087-102. [PMID: 25943422 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent theories regarding the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder suggest contributions of both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes. While structural neuroimaging studies indicate disease-associated neuroanatomical alterations, the behavioural correlates of these alterations have not been well characterized. Here, we investigated multi-generational families genetically enriched for bipolar disorder to: (i) characterize neurobehavioural correlates of neuroanatomical measures implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder; (ii) identify brain-behaviour associations that differ between diagnostic groups; (iii) identify neurocognitive traits that show evidence of accelerated ageing specifically in subjects with bipolar disorder; and (iv) identify brain-behaviour correlations that differ across the age span. Structural neuroimages and multi-dimensional assessments of temperament and neurocognition were acquired from 527 (153 bipolar disorder and 374 non-bipolar disorder) adults aged 18-87 years in 26 families with heavy genetic loading for bipolar disorder. We used linear regression models to identify significant brain-behaviour associations and test whether brain-behaviour relationships differed: (i) between diagnostic groups; and (ii) as a function of age. We found that total cortical and ventricular volume had the greatest number of significant behavioural associations, and included correlations with measures from multiple cognitive domains, particularly declarative and working memory and executive function. Cortical thickness measures, in contrast, showed more specific associations with declarative memory, letter fluency and processing speed tasks. While the majority of brain-behaviour relationships were similar across diagnostic groups, increased cortical thickness in ventrolateral prefrontal and parietal cortical regions was associated with better declarative memory only in bipolar disorder subjects, and not in non-bipolar disorder family members. Additionally, while age had a relatively strong impact on all neurocognitive traits, the effects of age on cognition did not differ between diagnostic groups. Most brain-behaviour associations were also similar across the age range, with the exception of cortical and ventricular volume and lingual gyrus thickness, which showed weak correlations with verbal fluency and inhibitory control at younger ages that increased in magnitude in older subjects, regardless of diagnosis. Findings indicate that neuroanatomical traits potentially impacted by bipolar disorder are significantly associated with multiple neurobehavioural domains. Structure-function relationships are generally preserved across diagnostic groups, with the notable exception of ventrolateral prefrontal and parietal association cortex, volumetric increases in which may be associated with cognitive resilience specifically in individuals with bipolar disorder. Although age impacted all neurobehavioural traits, we did not find any evidence of accelerated cognitive decline specific to bipolar disorder subjects. Regardless of diagnosis, greater global brain volume may represent a protective factor for the effects of ageing on executive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Fears
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Remmelt Schür
- 2 Academisch Medisch Centrum, Department of Paediatric Neurology/Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Sjouwerman
- 3 University Medical Centre Utrecht, Neuroscience, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susan K Service
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carmen Araya
- 4 Cell and Molecular Biology Research Centre, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Xinia Araya
- 4 Cell and Molecular Biology Research Centre, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Julio Bejarano
- 4 Cell and Molecular Biology Research Centre, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Emma Knowles
- 5 Department of Psychiatry, Yale University and Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Centre, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Juliana Gomez-Makhinson
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maria C Lopez
- 6 Grupo de Investigación en Psiquiatría [Research Group in Psychiatry (GIPSI)], Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ileana Aldana
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Terri M Teshiba
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zvart Abaryan
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Noor B Al-Sharif
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Linda Navarro
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Todd A Tishler
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lori Altshuler
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - George Bartzokis
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Javier I Escobar
- 7 Department of Psychiatry and Family Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - David C Glahn
- 5 Department of Psychiatry, Yale University and Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Centre, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paul M Thompson
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carlos Lopez-Jaramillo
- 6 Grupo de Investigación en Psiquiatría [Research Group in Psychiatry (GIPSI)], Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Macaya
- 4 Cell and Molecular Biology Research Centre, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Julio Molina
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA 8 BioCiencias Laboratory, Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Victor I Reus
- 9 Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chiara Sabatti
- 10 Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Rita M Cantor
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA 11 Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nelson B Freimer
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carrie E Bearden
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Gautam P, Lebel C, Narr KL, Mattson SN, May PA, Adnams CM, Riley EP, Jones KL, Kan EC, Sowell ER. Volume changes and brain-behavior relationships in white matter and subcortical gray matter in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Hum Brain Mapp 2015; 36:2318-29. [PMID: 25711175 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) may have cognitive, behavioral and brain abnormalities. Here, we compare rates of white matter and subcortical gray matter volume change in PAE and control children, and examine relationships between annual volume change and arithmetic ability, behavior, and executive function. Participants (n = 75 PAE/64 control; age: 7.1-15.9 years) each received two structural magnetic resonance scans, ~2 years apart. Assessments included Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), the Child Behavior Checklist and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Subcortical white and gray volumes were extracted for each hemisphere. Group volume differences were tested using false discovery rate (q < 0.05). Analyses examined group-by-age interactions and group-score interactions for correlations between change in volume and raw behavioral scores. Results showed that subjects with PAE had smaller volumes than control subjects across the brain. Significant group-score interactions were found in temporal and parietal regions for WISC arithmetic scores and in frontal and parietal regions for behavioral measures. Poorer cognitive/ behavioral outcomes were associated with larger volume increases in PAE, while control subjects generally showed no significant correlations. In contrast with previous results demonstrating different trajectories of cortical volume change in PAE, our results show similar rates of subcortical volume growth in subjects with PAE and control subjects. We also demonstrate abnormal brain-behavior relationships in subjects with PAE, suggesting different use of brain resources. Our results are encouraging in that, due to the stable volume differences, there may be an extended window of opportunity for intervention in children with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapti Gautam
- Department of Pediatrics, Developmental Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, Keck School of Medicine, USC/Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Abstract
Prior studies have shown that performance on standardized measures of memory in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is substantially reduced in comparison to matched typically developing controls (TDC). Given reported deficits in face processing in autism, the current study compared performance on an immediate and delayed facial memory task for individuals with ASD and TDC. In addition, we examined volumetric differences in classic facial memory regions of interest (ROI) between the two groups, including the fusiform, amygdala, and hippocampus. We then explored the relationship between ROI volume and facial memory performance. We found larger volumes in the autism group in the left amygdala and left hippocampus compared to TDC. In contrast, TDC had larger left fusiform gyrus volumes when compared with ASD. Interestingly, we also found significant negative correlations between delayed facial memory performance and volume of the left and right fusiform and the left hippocampus for the ASD group but not for TDC. The possibility of larger fusiform volume as a marker of abnormal connectivity and decreased facial memory is discussed.
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Prefrontal cortex and executive functions in healthy adults: a meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014. [PMID: 24568942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.02.005.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lesion studies link the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to executive functions. However, the evidence from in vivo investigations in healthy people is mixed, and there are no quantitative estimates of the association strength. To examine the relationship between PFC volume and cortical thickness with executive cognition in healthy adults, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies that assessed executive functions and PFC volume (31 samples,) and PFC thickness (10 samples) in vivo, N=3272 participants. We found that larger PFC volume and greater PFC thickness were associated with better executive performance. Stronger associations between executive functions and PFC volume were linked to greater variance in the sample age but was unrelated to the mean age of a sample. Strength of association between cognitive and neuroanatomical indices depended on the executive task used in the study. PFC volume correlated stronger with Wisconsin Card Sorting Test than with digit backwards span, Trail Making Test and verbal fluency. Significant effect size was observed in lateral and medial but not orbital PFC. The results support the "bigger is better" hypothesis of brain-behavior relation in healthy adults and suggest different neural correlates across the neuropsychological tests used to assess executive functions.
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Prefrontal cortex and executive functions in healthy adults: a meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 42:180-92. [PMID: 24568942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lesion studies link the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to executive functions. However, the evidence from in vivo investigations in healthy people is mixed, and there are no quantitative estimates of the association strength. To examine the relationship between PFC volume and cortical thickness with executive cognition in healthy adults, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies that assessed executive functions and PFC volume (31 samples,) and PFC thickness (10 samples) in vivo, N=3272 participants. We found that larger PFC volume and greater PFC thickness were associated with better executive performance. Stronger associations between executive functions and PFC volume were linked to greater variance in the sample age but was unrelated to the mean age of a sample. Strength of association between cognitive and neuroanatomical indices depended on the executive task used in the study. PFC volume correlated stronger with Wisconsin Card Sorting Test than with digit backwards span, Trail Making Test and verbal fluency. Significant effect size was observed in lateral and medial but not orbital PFC. The results support the "bigger is better" hypothesis of brain-behavior relation in healthy adults and suggest different neural correlates across the neuropsychological tests used to assess executive functions.
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Smolker HR, Depue BE, Reineberg AE, Orr JM, Banich MT. Individual differences in regional prefrontal gray matter morphometry and fractional anisotropy are associated with different constructs of executive function. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 220:1291-306. [PMID: 24562372 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0723-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although the relationship between structural differences within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and executive function (EF) has been widely explored in cognitively impaired populations, little is known about this relationship in healthy young adults. Using optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM), surface-based morphometry (SBM), and fractional anisotropy (FA) we determined the association between regional PFC grey matter (GM) morphometry and white matter tract diffusivity with performance on tasks that tap different aspects of EF as drawn from Miyake et al.'s three-factor model of EF. Reductions in both GM volume (VBM) and cortical folding (SBM) in the ventromedial PFC (vmPFC), ventrolateral PFC (vlPFC), and dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) predicted better common EF, shifting-specific, and updating-specific performance, respectively. Despite capturing different components of GM morphometry, voxel- and surface-based findings were highly related, exhibiting regionally overlapping relationships with EF. Increased white matter FA in fiber tracts that connect the vmPFC and vlPFC with posterior regions of the brain also predicted better common EF and shifting-specific performance, respectively. These results suggest that the neural mechanisms supporting distinct aspects of EF may differentially rely on distinct regions of the PFC, and at least in healthy young adults, are influenced by regional morphometry of the PFC and the FA of major white matter tracts that connect the PFC with posterior cortical and subcortical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Smolker
- The Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
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21
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Ferreira D, Molina Y, Machado A, Westman E, Wahlund LO, Nieto A, Correia R, Junqué C, Díaz-Flores L, Barroso J. Cognitive decline is mediated by gray matter changes during middle age. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:1086-94. [PMID: 24239436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.10.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The present theoretical framework of Alzheimer's disease proposes that pathophysiological changes occur 10-20 years before the diagnosis of dementia. We addressed the question of how age-related changes in gray matter mediate the cognitive performance during middle age. Eighty-two participants (40-50 years, ±2) were assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery covering a broad spectrum of cognitive domains and components. Mediation effects were studied with hierarchical regression and bootstrapping analysis. Results showed that more vulnerable cognitive components were related to executive functioning and in a lesser degree to processing speed. Age-related differences in gray matter mainly involved the frontal lobes. Moreover, age-related differences in visuoconstructive, visuospatial functions, reaction time, and mental flexibility and executive control were mediated by several gray matter regions. It is important to increase the knowledge of the impact of brain changes on cognitive function during middle age. To define the early stages of the aging process may allow early detection of pathologic changes and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ferreira
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Section of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yaiza Molina
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Alejandra Machado
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Eric Westman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Section of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Olof Wahlund
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Section of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonieta Nieto
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Rut Correia
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carme Junqué
- Departament de Psiquiatria i Psicobiologia Clínica, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - José Barroso
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
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Gautam P, Cherbuin N, Sachdev PS, Wen W, Anstey KJ. Sex differences in cortical thickness in middle aged and early old-aged adults: Personality and Total Health Through Life study. Neuroradiology 2013; 55:697-707. [DOI: 10.1007/s00234-013-1144-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Age-related changes in the neurophysiology of language in adults: relationship to regional cortical thinning and white matter microstructure. J Neurosci 2012; 32:12204-13. [PMID: 22933802 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0136-12.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although reading skill remains relatively stable with advancing age in humans, neurophysiological measures suggest potential reductions in efficiency of lexical information processing. It is unclear whether these age-related changes are secondary to decreases in regional cortical thickness and/or microstructure of fiber tracts essential to language. Magnetoencephalography, volumetric MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging were performed in 10 young (18-33 years) and 10 middle-aged (42-64 years) human individuals to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics and structural correlates of age-related changes in lexical-semantic processing. Increasing age was associated with reduced activity in left temporal lobe regions from 250 to 350 ms and in left inferior prefrontal cortex from 350 to 450 ms (i.e., N400). Hierarchical regression indicated that age no longer predicted left inferior prefrontal activity after cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the uncinate fasciculus (UF) were considered. Interestingly, FA of the UF was a stronger predictor of the N400 response than cortical thickness. Age-related reductions in left-lateralization of language responses were observed between 250 and 350 ms, and were associated with left temporal thinning and frontotemporal FA reductions. N400 reductions were not associated with poorer task performance. Rather, increasing age was associated with reduction in the left prefrontal N400, which in turn was also associated with slower response time. These results reveal that changes in the neurophysiology of language occur by middle age and appear to be partially mediated by structural brain loss. These neurophysiological changes may reflect an adaptive process that ensues as communication between left perisylvian regions declines.
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Westlye ET, Hodneland E, Haász J, Espeseth T, Lundervold A, Lundervold AJ. Episodic memory of APOE ε4 carriers is correlated with fractional anisotropy, but not cortical thickness, in the medial temporal lobe. Neuroimage 2012; 63:507-16. [PMID: 22796460 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (apoE, protein; APOE, gene) is the most important genetic risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cortical structures in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) are important for memory function and are affected early in AD. Both gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) structures in the MTL have been reported to display AD related changes in healthy APOE ε4 carriers, but the effects are relatively small and somewhat deviating. Still, there is a lack of studies directly linking structural measures with performance on psychometric tests in ε4+ individuals. We hypothesized that intact WM integrity in the MTL facilitates episodic memory, and predicted a higher correlation between WM integrity and memory performance in APOE ε4 carriers due to a possible limiting effect of WM microstructure. In the present study of 92 healthy (MMSE>27) participants we acquired T1 3D and DTI images from a 1.5T MRI scanner, and tested the participants with California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT-II). The study had two main aims: 1) to relate verbal memory performance to entorhinal WM (EWM) integrity in APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers, and 2) to investigate APOE ε4 effects on EWM and EC thickness. We observed a strong, positive correlation between FA in the EWM and memory performance, which was driven solely by APOE ε4 carriers. These effects were significant while controlling for age, sex, EWM volume and EC thickness. Although EC thickness was significantly reduced in ε4 carriers, we did not find a relationship between EC thickness and memory performance. Thus, increased susceptibility of the WM structures underpinning the entorhinal-hippocampal network, offers a plausible explanation for the earlier onset of cognitive decline previously reported in APOE ε4 carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erling Tjelta Westlye
- Neuroinformatics and Image Analysis Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway.
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Raz N, Lindenberger U. Only time will tell: cross-sectional studies offer no solution to the age-brain-cognition triangle: comment on Salthouse (2011). Psychol Bull 2012; 137:790-5. [PMID: 21859179 DOI: 10.1037/a0024503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Salthouse (2011) critically reviewed cross-sectional and longitudinal relations among adult age, brain structure, and cognition (ABC) and identified problems in interpretation of the extant literature. His review, however, missed several important points. First, there is enough disparity among the measures of brain structure and cognitive performance to question the uniformity of B and C vertices of the ABC triangle. Second, age differences and age changes in brain and cognition are often nonlinear. Third, variances and correlations among measures of brain and cognition frequently vary with age. Fourth, cross-sectional comparisons among competing models of ABC associations cannot disambiguate competing hypotheses about the structure and the range of directed and reciprocal relations between changes in brain and behavior. We offer the following conclusions, based on these observations. First, individual differences among younger adults are not useful for understanding the aging of brain and behavior. Second, only multivariate longitudinal studies, age-comparative experimental interventions, and a combination of the two will deliver us from the predicaments of the ABC triangle described by Salthouse. Mediation models of cross-sectional data represent age-related differences in target variables but fail to approximate time-dependent relations; thus, they do not elucidate the dimensions and dynamics of cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naftali Raz
- Institute of Gerontology and Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 87 East Ferry Street, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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