Differential relationships between transcallosal structural and functional connectivity in young and older adults

Brett W. Fling, Youngbin Kwak, Scott J. Peltier, Rachael D. Seidler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Numerous studies have identified age differences in brain structure and function that correlate with declines in motor performance. While these investigations have typically focused on activity in isolated regions of the brain, resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging allow for more integrative assessments of spatially disparate neural networks. The novel contribution of the current study is to combine both resting state functional connectivity and diffusion tensor imaging to examine motor corticocortical circuits in young and older adults. We find that relatively greater functional connectivity between the primary motor cortices was strongly associated with decreased structural connectivity and poorer motor performance solely in older adults. We suggest that greater functional connectivity in older adults may be reflective of a release from the normally predominantly inhibitory interhemispheric communication associated with the primary motor cortices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2521-2526
Number of pages6
JournalNeurobiology of Aging
Volume33
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Diffusion tensor imaging
  • Functional connectivity
  • Motor control

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Aging
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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