Understanding Brain Mechanisms Behind Cognitive and Motor Functions
Author Information
Author(s): Fraser Sarah, Rosso Andrea, Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Primary Institution: Oxford University Press US
Hypothesis
What can neuroimaging tell us about subjective cognitive decline and what changes in gait and mitochondrial function are associated with changes in the brain?
Conclusion
The studies provide new insights into the neural resources involved in cognitive and motor functions and how factors like dopamine influence resilience in the brain.
Supporting Evidence
- Salzman et al. used fNIRS to explore cerebral oxygenation differences in older adults with and without subjective cognitive decline.
- Rosso et al. examined the influence of dopamine binding on neural inefficiency during dual-task walking using PET.
- Rosano et al. investigated the relationship between dopaminergic binding and gait speed changes on uneven surfaces using PET.
- Tian et al. studied the link between mitochondrial function and brain structural changes using MRI and DTI data.
Takeaway
Scientists are using special brain imaging tools to learn how our thinking and movement change as we get older and how some chemicals in our brain can help us stay sharp.
Methodology
The studies utilized neuroimaging technologies such as fNIRS, PET, and MRI to explore brain function and its relationship with cognitive and motor performance.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website