Age-Related Atrophy and Compensatory Neural Networks in Reading Comprehension.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Despite changes to brain integrity with aging, some functions like basic language processes remain remarkably preserved. One theory for the maintenance of function in light of age-related brain atrophy is the engagement of compensatory brain networks. This study examined age-related changes in the neural networks recruited for simple language comprehension.

Methods

Sixty-five adults (native English-speaking, right-handed, and cognitively normal) aged 17-85 years underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reading paradigm and structural scanning. The fMRI data were analyzed using independent component analysis to derive brain networks associated with reading comprehension.

Results

Two typical frontotemporal language networks were identified, an

SUBMITTER: Fitzhugh MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6816336 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature