Preserved wake-dependent cortical excitability dynamics predict cognitive fitness beyond age-related brain alterations.

ABSTRACT: Age-related cognitive decline arises from alterations in brain structure as well as in sleep-wake regulation. Here, we investigated whether preserved wake-dependent regulation of cortical function could represent a positive factor for cognitive fitness in aging. We quantified cortical excitability dynamics during prolonged wakefulness as a sensitive marker of age-related alteration in sleep-wake regulation in 60 healthy older individuals (50-69 y; 42 women). Brain structural integrity was assessed with amyloid-beta- and tau-PET, and with MRI. Participants' cognition was investigated using an extensive neuropsychological task battery. We show that individuals with preserved wake-dependent cortical excitability dynamics exhibit better cognitive performance, particularly in the executive doma

SUBMITTER: Van Egroo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6890637 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature