Dataset Information

Functional connectivity in cognitive control networks mitigates the impact of white matter lesions in the elderly.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cerebrovascular pathology, quantified by white matter lesions (WML), is known to affect cognition in aging, and is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The present study aimed to investigate whether higher functional connectivity in cognitive control networks mitigates the detrimental effect of WML on cognition.

Methods

Nondemented older participants (??50 years; n = 230) underwent cognitive evaluation, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Total WML volumes were quantified algorithmically. Functional connectivity was assessed in preselected higher-order resting state networks, namely the fronto-parietal, the salience, and the default mode network, using global and local measures. Latent moderated structural equations modeling examined direct and interactive relationships between WML volumes, functional connectivity, and cognition.

Results

Larger WML volumes were associated with worse cognition, having a greater impact on executive functions (??=?-0.37, p?ConclusionHigher functional connectivity in fronto-parietal and salience networks may protect against detrimental effects of WML on executive functions, the cognitive domain that was predominantly affected by cerebrovascular pathology. These results highlight the crucial role of cognitive control networks as a neural substrate of cognitive reserve in older individuals.

SUBMITTER: Benson G

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6204269 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Functional connectivity in cognitive control networks mitigates the impact of white matter lesions in the elderly.

Benson Gloria G Hildebrandt Andrea A Lange Catharina C Schwarz Claudia C Köbe Theresa T Sommer Werner W Flöel Agnes A Wirth Miranka M

Alzheimer's research & therapy 20181027 1

<h4>Background</h4>Cerebrovascular pathology, quantified by white matter lesions (WML), is known to affect cognition in aging, and is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The present study aimed to investigate whether higher functional connectivity in cognitive control networks mitigates the detrimental effect of WML on cognition.<h4>Methods</h4>Nondemented older participants (≥ 50 years; n = 230) underwent cognitive evaluation, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic reso ...[more]

PMID: 30368250

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundResearch suggests that cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), amyloid, and pTau contribute to age-related cognitive decline. It remains unknown how these factors relate to one another and how they jointly contribute to cognitive decline in normal aging. This project examines the association between these factors and their relationship to cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired older adults without subjective cognitive decline.MethodsA total of 230 subjects with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aß42, CSF pTau181, white matter lesions (WMLs) used as a proxy of CSVD, and cognitive scores from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were included. Associations between each factor and cognitive score were investigated using regression models. Furthermore, relationships between the three pathologies were also examined using regression models.ResultsAt baseline, there was an inverse association between WML load and Aß42 (t = -4.20, p <.001). There was no association between WML load and pTau (t = 0.32, p = 0.75), nor with Aß42 and pTau (t = 0.51, p =.61). Correcting for age, sex and education, baseline WML load was associated with baseline ADAS-13 scores (t = 2.59, p =.01) and lower follow-up executive functioning (t = -2.84, p =.005). Baseline Aß42 was associated with executive function at baseline (t = 3.58, p<.004) but not at follow-up (t = 1.05, p = 0.30), nor with ADAS-13 at baseline (t = -0.24, p = 0.81) or follow-up (t = 0.09, p = 0.93). Finally, baseline pTau was not associated with any cognitive measure at baseline or follow-up.ConclusionBoth baseline Aß42 and WML load are associated with some baseline cognition scores, but only baseline WML load is associated with follow-up executive functioning. This finding suggests that WMLs may be one of the earliest clinical manifestations that contributes to future cognitive decline in cognitively healthy older adults. Given that healthy older adults with WMLs exhibit declines in cognitive functioning, they may be less resilient to future pathology increasing their risk for cognitive impairment due to dementia than those without WMLs.

Dataset Information

Functional connectivity in cognitive control networks mitigates the impact of white matter lesions in the elderly.

Background

Methods

Results

Publications

Functional connectivity in cognitive control networks mitigates the impact of white matter lesions in the elderly.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets