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01-11-2017 | Original Article

A posterior-to-anterior shift of brain functional dynamics in aging

Authors: Han Zhang, Annie Lee, Anqi Qiu

Published in: Brain Structure and Function | Issue 8/2017

Abstract

Convergent evidence from task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies suggests a posterior-to-anterior shift as an adaptive compensatory scaffolding mechanism for aging. This study aimed to investigate whether brain functional dynamics at rest follow the same scaffolding mechanism for aging using a large Chinese sample aged from 22 to 79 years (n = 277). We defined a probability of brain regions being hubs over a period of time to characterize functional hub dynamic, and defined variability of the functional connectivity to characterize dynamic functional connectivity using resting-state fMRI. Our results revealed that both functional hub dynamics and dynamic functional connectivity posited an age-related posterior-to-anterior shift. Specifically, the posterior brain region showed attenuated dynamics, while the anterior brain regions showed augmented dynamics in aging. Interestingly, our analysis further indicated that the age-related episodic memory decline was associated with the age-related decrease in the brain functional dynamics of the posterior regions. Hence, these findings provided a new dimension to view the scaffolding mechanism for aging based on the brain functional dynamics.

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Title: A posterior-to-anterior shift of brain functional dynamics in aging
Authors: Han Zhang
Annie Lee
Anqi Qiu
Publication date: 01-11-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Brain Structure and Function / Issue 8/2017
Print ISSN: 1863-2653
Electronic ISSN: 1863-2661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-017-1425-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A posterior-to-anterior shift of brain functional dynamics in aging

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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