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Roy JC, Hédouin R, Desmidt T, Dam S, Mirea-Grivel I, Weyl L, Bannier E, Barantin L, Drapier D, Batail JM, David R, Coloigner J, Robert GH. Quantifying Apathy in Late-Life Depression: Unraveling Neurobehavioral Links Through Daily Activity Patterns and Brain Connectivity Analysis. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024; 9:639-649. [PMID: 38615911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.04.002] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Better understanding apathy in late-life depression would help improve prediction of poor prognosis of diseases such as dementia. Actimetry provides an objective and ecological measure of apathy from patients' daily motor activity. We aimed to determine whether patterns of motor activity were associated with apathy and brain connectivity in networks that underlie goal-directed behaviors. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging were collected from 38 nondemented participants with late-life depression. Apathy was evaluated using the diagnostic criteria for apathy, Apathy Evaluation Scale, and Apathy Motivation Index. Functional principal components (fPCs) of motor activity were derived from actimetry recordings taken for 72 hours. Associations between fPCs and apathy were estimated by linear regression. Subnetworks whose connectivity was significantly associated with fPCs were identified via threshold-free network-based statistics. The relationship between apathy and microstructure metrics was estimated along fibers by diffusion tensor imaging and a multicompartment model called neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging via tractometry. RESULTS We found 2 fPCs associated with apathy: mean diurnal activity, negatively associated with Apathy Evaluation Scale scores, and an early chronotype, negatively associated with Apathy Motivation Index scores. Mean diurnal activity was associated with increased connectivity in the default mode, cingulo-opercular, and frontoparietal networks, while chronotype was associated with a more heterogeneous connectivity pattern in the same networks. We did not find significant associations between microstructural metrics and fPCs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that mean diurnal activity and chronotype could provide indirect ambulatory measures of apathy in late-life depression, associated with modified functional connectivity of brain networks that underlie goal-directed behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Roy
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Rennes, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1414, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Rennes, France; Université de Rennes, Inria, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IRISA, INSERM, Empenn U1228 ERL, Rennes, France.
| | - Renaud Hédouin
- Université de Rennes, Inria, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IRISA, INSERM, Empenn U1228 ERL, Rennes, France
| | - Thomas Desmidt
- CHU de Tours, Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1415, CHU de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Sébastien Dam
- Université de Rennes, Inria, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IRISA, INSERM, Empenn U1228 ERL, Rennes, France
| | - Iris Mirea-Grivel
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Rennes, France
| | - Louise Weyl
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Rennes, France
| | - Elise Bannier
- Université de Rennes, Inria, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IRISA, INSERM, Empenn U1228 ERL, Rennes, France; CHU de Rennes, Service de Radiologie, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Barantin
- CHU de Tours, Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Dominique Drapier
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Rennes, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1414, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Rennes, France; Faculté de Médecine, Rennes Université, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Marie Batail
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Rennes, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1414, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Rennes, France; Faculté de Médecine, Rennes Université, Rennes, France
| | - Renaud David
- CHU de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Julie Coloigner
- Université de Rennes, Inria, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IRISA, INSERM, Empenn U1228 ERL, Rennes, France
| | - Gabriel H Robert
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Rennes, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1414, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Rennes, France; Université de Rennes, Inria, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IRISA, INSERM, Empenn U1228 ERL, Rennes, France; Faculté de Médecine, Rennes Université, Rennes, France
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Triana AM, Saramäki J, Glerean E, Hayward NMEA. Neuroscience meets behavior: A systematic literature review on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain combined with real-world digital phenotyping. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26620. [PMID: 38436603 PMCID: PMC10911114 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26620] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
A primary goal of neuroscience is to understand the relationship between the brain and behavior. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examines brain structure and function under controlled conditions, digital phenotyping via portable automatic devices (PAD) quantifies behavior in real-world settings. Combining these two technologies may bridge the gap between brain imaging, physiology, and real-time behavior, enhancing the generalizability of laboratory and clinical findings. However, the use of MRI and data from PADs outside the MRI scanner remains underexplored. Herein, we present a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis systematic literature review that identifies and analyzes the current state of research on the integration of brain MRI and PADs. PubMed and Scopus were automatically searched using keywords covering various MRI techniques and PADs. Abstracts were screened to only include articles that collected MRI brain data and PAD data outside the laboratory environment. Full-text screening was then conducted to ensure included articles combined quantitative data from MRI with data from PADs, yielding 94 selected papers for a total of N = 14,778 subjects. Results were reported as cross-frequency tables between brain imaging and behavior sampling methods and patterns were identified through network analysis. Furthermore, brain maps reported in the studies were synthesized according to the measurement modalities that were used. Results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating MRI and PADs across various study designs, patient and control populations, and age groups. The majority of published literature combines functional, T1-weighted, and diffusion weighted MRI with physical activity sensors, ecological momentary assessment via PADs, and sleep. The literature further highlights specific brain regions frequently correlated with distinct MRI-PAD combinations. These combinations enable in-depth studies on how physiology, brain function and behavior influence each other. Our review highlights the potential for constructing brain-behavior models that extend beyond the scanner and into real-world contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Triana
- Department of Computer Science, School of ScienceAalto UniversityEspooFinland
| | - Jari Saramäki
- Department of Computer Science, School of ScienceAalto UniversityEspooFinland
| | - Enrico Glerean
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, School of ScienceAalto UniversityEspooFinland
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3
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Konwar S, Manca R, De Marco M, Soininen H, Venneri A. The effect of physical activity on white matter integrity in aging and prodromal to mild Alzheimer's disease with vascular comorbidity. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1096798. [PMID: 37520122 PMCID: PMC10382177 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1096798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor that has been previously associated with reduced vascular burden and reduced risk of dementia. Objectives This study tested whether physical activity (i.e., being inactive vs. active) contributed to preservation of white matter microstructure in healthy aging controls and patients in prodromal to mild Alzheimer's disease with low/high vascular burden. Materials A total of 213 participants were recruited from memory clinics. They were classified as being either physically active (n = 113) or inactive (n = 100) based on the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) questionnaire. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired for all participants and pre-processed based on a standard protocol. Methods A factorial design using voxel-wise tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was adopted, with 5,000 permutations and threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE), to identify significant clusters for fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AxD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD). Results Clusters of higher FA and lower AxD, MD, and RD values were found for physically active compared with inactive participants that were widespread covering mainly association and projection tracts but also some commissural tracts. A three-way Group × Physical Activity × Vascular Burden interaction effect was found for FA mostly in a variety of projection tracts with a right predominance, and some commissural and association tracts. Post hoc analyses revealed higher FA in patients with high vascular burden who were physically active compared with those patients with high vascular burden who were inactive mainly in projection and association/limbic tracts with a right predominance. Additionally, higher FA was observed in physically active patients with high vascular burden as compared with physically inactive controls with high vascular burden, mainly in bilateral projection fibers and cerebellar regions. Conclusion Voxel-wise TBSS analysis revealed better preservation of white matter microstructure that was prominent in the high-risk group such as the patients with high vascular burden, specifically those who were physically active. The beneficial effects of physical activity on white matter microstructure were not observed in the controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijan Konwar
- Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Riccardo Manca
- Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo De Marco
- Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hilkka Soininen
- Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annalena Venneri
- Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Xie Y, Cai K, Dai J, Wei G. Enhanced Integrity of White Matter Microstructure in Mind-Body Practitioners: A Whole-Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040691. [PMID: 37190656 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is an increasingly popular multimodal mind-body practice with potential cognitive benefits, yet the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects, particularly in relation to brain white matter (WM) microstructure, remain largely unknown. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the attention network test (ANT) to compare 22 TCC practitioners and 18 healthy controls. We found extensive differences in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) between the two groups. Specifically, TCC practitioners had significantly different diffusion metrics in the corticospinal tract (CST), fornix (FX)/stria terminalis (ST), and cerebral peduncle (CP). We also observed a significant correlation between increased FA values in the right CP and ANT performance in TCC practitioners. Our findings suggest that optimized regional WM microstructure may contribute to the complex information processing associated with TCC practice, providing insights for preventing cognitive decline and treating neurological disorders with cognitive impairment in clinical rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrong Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kelong Cai
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Jingang Dai
- Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, National Chinese Medicine Experts Inheritance Office of Song Jun, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Gaoxia Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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5
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Jin Y, Lin L, Xiong M, Sun S, Wu SC. Moderating effects of cognitive reserve on the relationship between brain structure and cognitive abilities in middle-aged and older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 128:49-64. [PMID: 37163923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The cognitive reserve (CR) hypothesis is reinforced by negative moderating effects, suggesting that those with higher CR are less reliant on brain structure for cognitive function. Previous research on CR's moderating effects yielded inconsistent results, motivating our 3 studies using UK Biobank data. Study I examined five CR proxies' moderating effects on global, lobar, and regional brain-cognition models; study II extended study I by using a larger sample size; and study III investigated age-related moderating effects on the hippocampal regions. In study I, most moderating effects were negative and none survived the multiple comparison correction, but study II identified 13 global-level models with significant negative moderating effects that survived correction. Study III showed age influenced CR proxies' moderating effects in hippocampal regions. Our findings suggest that the effects of CR proxies on brain integrity and cognition varied depending on the proxy used, brain integrity indicators, cognitive domain, and age group. This study offers significant insights regarding the importance of CR for brain integrity and cognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jin
- Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Translation, Beijing International Base for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Lin
- Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Translation, Beijing International Base for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Min Xiong
- Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Translation, Beijing International Base for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Sun
- Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Translation, Beijing International Base for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shui-Cai Wu
- Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Translation, Beijing International Base for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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6
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Balbim GM, Erickson KI, Ajilore OA, Aguiñaga S, Bustamante EE, Lamar M, Marquez DX. Association of physical activity levels and brain white matter in older Latino adults. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2022; 27:1599-1615. [PMID: 33853442 PMCID: PMC8514578 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2021.1913484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigate the associations between self-reported physical activity (PA) engagement and white matter (WM) health (i.e. volume, integrity, and hyperintensities) in older Latinos. DESIGN Cross-sectional study with community-dwelling older adults from predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Participants: Thirty-four cognitively healthy older Latinos from two different cohorts. Measurements: Participants self-reported demographic information, PA engagement [Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults] and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used high-resolution three-dimensional T1- and T2-FLAIR weighted images and diffusion tensor imaging acquired via 3 T MRI. We performed a series of hierarchical linear regression models with the addition of relevant covariates to examine the associations between self-reported PA levels and WM volume, integrity, and hyperintensities (separately). We adjusted p-values with the use of the Benjamini-Hochberg's false discovery rate procedure. RESULTS Higher reported levels of leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA were significantly associated with higher WM volume of the posterior cingulate (β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, 95% CI 0.009-0.431, p = 0.047) and isthmus cingulate (β = 0.212, SE = 0.110, 95% CI 0.001-0.443, p = 0.044) after controlling for intracranial volume. Higher levels of total PA were significantly associated with higher overall WM volume of these same regions (posterior cingulate: β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, CI 0.024-0.421, p = 0.046; isthmus cingulate: β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, 95% CI 0.003-0.393; p = 0.040). Significant p-values did not withstand Benjamini-Hochberg's adjustment. PA was not significantly associated with WM integrity or WM hyperintensities. CONCLUSION Higher levels of PA, particularly higher leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA, might be associated with greater WM volume in select white matter regions key to brain network integration for physical and cognitive functioning in older Latinos. More research is needed to further confirm these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme M Balbim
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Kirk I Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Olusola A Ajilore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Susan Aguiñaga
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, United States
| | - Eduardo E Bustamante
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Melissa Lamar
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - David X Marquez
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
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Soldan A, Alfini A, Pettigrew C, Faria A, Hou X, Lim C, Lu H, Spira AP, Zipunnikov V, Albert M. Actigraphy-estimated physical activity is associated with functional and structural brain connectivity among older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 116:32-40. [PMID: 35551019 PMCID: PMC10167793 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Higher physical activity levels are associated with reduced cognitive decline among older adults; however, current understanding of underlying brain mechanisms is limited. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between actigraphy-estimated total volume of physical activity (TVPA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and functional and structural brain connectivity, measured by resting-state functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging. Study participants (N = 156, mean age = 71 years) included 136 with normal cognition and 20 with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Higher TVPA was associated with greater functional connectivity within the default-mode network and greater network modularity (a measure of network specialization), as well as with greater anisotropy and lower radial diffusion in white matter, suggesting better structural connectivity. These associations with functional and structural connectivity were independent of one another and independent of the level of vascular risk, APOE-ε4 status, cognitive reserve, and WMH volume, which were not associated with TVPA. Findings suggest that physical activity is beneficial for brain connectivity among older individuals with varying levels of risk for cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Soldan
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Alfonso Alfini
- National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Corinne Pettigrew
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andreia Faria
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xirui Hou
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chantelle Lim
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adam P Spira
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vadim Zipunnikov
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marilyn Albert
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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8
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Riedel D, Fellerhoff T, Mierau A, Strüder H, Wolf D, Fischer F, Fellgiebel A, Tüscher O, Kollmann B, Knaepen K. The impact of aging on interhemispheric transfer time and respective sex differences. AGING BRAIN 2022; 2:100040. [PMID: 36908886 PMCID: PMC9997169 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2022.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related cognitive decline has been attributed to degeneration of the corpus callosum (CC), which allows for interhemispheric integration and information processing [22,69]. Along with decreased structural integrity, altered functional properties of the CC may cause impaired cognitive performance in older adults, yet this aspect of age-related decline remains insufficiently researched [59]. In this context, potential sex-related differences have been proposed [31,58]. A promising parameter, which has been suggested to estimate functional properties of the CC is the interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT), which is ideally obtained from event-related potentials (ERP) evoked by lateralized stimuli [45]. To examine the possible functional consequences of aging with regards to the CC, the present study investigated the IHTT of 107 older (67.69 ± 5.18y) as well as of 23 younger participants (25.09 ± 2.59y). IHTT was obtained using an established letter matching task and targeting early N170 ERP components at posterior electrode sites. The results revealed significantly elongated IHTT in older compared to younger participants, but no significant sex differences. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between IHTT and age, predominantly driven by the female participants. The present findings add support to the notion, that IHTT is subject to age-related elongation reflecting impaired interhemispheric transmission. Age-related decline in women appears to occur at a different age range compared to men.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Riedel
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim Fellerhoff
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Mierau
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany.,Department of Exercise and Sport Science, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, 50, avenue du Parc des Sports L-4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Heiko Strüder
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Florian Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Fellgiebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany.,Center for Mental Health in Old Age, Landeskrankenhaus (AöR), Hartmühlenweg 2-4, 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstraße 7, 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Bianca Kollmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstraße 7, 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristel Knaepen
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
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Won J, Callow DD, Pena GS, Gogniat MA, Kommula Y, Arnold-Nedimala NA, Jordan LS, Smith JC. Evidence for exercise-related plasticity in functional and structural neural network connectivity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:923-940. [PMID: 34655658 PMCID: PMC8642315 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The number of studies investigating exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)-related changes in the functional and structural organization of brain networks continues to rise. Functional and structural connectivity are critical biomarkers for brain health and many exercise-related benefits on the brain are better represented by network dynamics. Here, we reviewed the neuroimaging literature to better understand how exercise or CRF may facilitate and maintain the efficiency and integrity of functional and structural aspects of brain networks in both younger and older adults. Converging evidence suggests that increased exercise performance and CRF modulate functional connectivity of the brain in a way that corresponds to behavioral changes such as cognitive and motor performance improvements. Similarly, greater physical activity levels and CRF are associated with better cognitive and motor function, which may be brought about by enhanced structural network integrity. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of trends in exercise-network studies as well as future directions based on the gaps in knowledge that are currently present in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyeon Won
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Daniel D Callow
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Gabriel S Pena
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Marissa A Gogniat
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Yash Kommula
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | | | - Leslie S Jordan
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - J Carson Smith
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
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10
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Umegaki H, Sakurai T, Arai H. Active Life for Brain Health: A Narrative Review of the Mechanism Underlying the Protective Effects of Physical Activity on the Brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:761674. [PMID: 34916925 PMCID: PMC8670095 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.761674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence clearly indicates the beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on cognition. The importance of PA is now being reevaluated due to the increase in sedentary behavior in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many studies in humans have revealed that PA helps to preserve brain health, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, which mainly focuses on studies in humans, we comprehensively summarize the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of PA or exercise on brain health, particularly cognition. The most intensively studied mechanisms of the beneficial effects of PA involve an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and preservation of brain volume, especially that of the hippocampus. Nonetheless, the mutual associations between these two factors remain unclear. For example, although BDNF presumably affects brain volume by inhibiting neuronal death and/or increasing neurogenesis, human data on this issue are scarce. It also remains to be determined whether PA modulates amyloid and tau metabolism. However, recent advances in blood-based biomarkers are expected to help elucidate the beneficial effects of PA on the brain. Clinical data suggest that PA functionally modulates cognition independently of neurodegeneration, and the mechanisms involved include modulation of functional connectivity, neuronal compensation, neuronal resource allocation, and neuronal efficiency. However, these mechanisms are as yet not fully understood. A clear understanding of the mechanisms involved could help motivate inactive persons to change their behavior. More accumulation of evidence in this field is awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Umegaki
- Department of Community Healthcare and Geriatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakurai
- Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Hidenori Arai
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
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Sang F, Chen Y, Chen K, Dang M, Gao S, Zhang Z. Sex Differences in Cortical Morphometry and White Matter Microstructure During Brain Aging and Their Relationships to Cognition. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:5253-5262. [PMID: 34148074 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in brain structure are associated with aging, and accompanied by the gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, which manifests differently in males and females. Here, we quantify the age-related spatial aging patterns of brain gray and white matter structures, their volume reduction rate, their relationships with specific cognitive functions, as well as differences between males and females in a cross-sectional nondementia dataset. We found that both males and females showed extensive age-related decreases in the volumes of most gray matter and white matter regions. Females have larger regions where the volume decreases with age and a greater slope (females: 0.199%, males: 0.183%) of volume decrease in gray matter. For white matter, no significant sex differences were found in age-related regions, and the slope of volume decrease. More significant associations were identified between brain structures and cognition in males during aging than females. This study explored the age-related regional variations in gray matter and white matter, as well as the sex differences in a nondemented elderly population. This study helps to further understand the aging of the brain structure and sex differences in the aging of brain structures and provides new evidence for the aging of nondemented individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.,Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yaojing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.,Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Kewei Chen
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Mingxi Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.,Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Shudan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.,Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.,Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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