Li, M., Schilling, K. G., Gao, F., Xu, L., Choi, S., Gao, Y., Zu, Z., Anderson, A. W., Ding, Z., Landman, B. A., & Gore, J. C. (2024). Quantification of mediation effects of white matter functional characteristics on cognitive decline in aging. Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991), 34(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/CERCOR/BHAE114
A study examining cognitive decline in aging has highlighted the significant role of changes in the brain’s white matter, particularly in how it functions in relation to blood oxygen levels. Utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers analyzed the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals within white matter to explore their relationship with cognitive deterioration as people age. The study involved breaking down white matter into functional hubs using independent component analysis, a method that helps map out different areas based on their activity patterns during rest. The team then used these data to create a network graph, enabling them to measure and understand how different white matter regions contribute to brain function. Their findings indicate that changes in these BOLD signals in specific white matter areas can mediate the effects of aging on cognitive abilities, suggesting that the functional integrity of white matter is crucial for maintaining cognitive health in older adults. This research opens up new possibilities for targeting cognitive decline interventions more effectively.