Aging related to memory-related network

A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience proves that brain regions are associated with memory shrink in adults, especially in those who are predisposed to develop neurodegenerative disorder. The authors state that this issue can lead to increased risk to Alzheimer`s disease and decline cognitive ability.

“Our results identify a specific pattern of structural brain changes that may provide a possible brain marker for the onset of Alzheimer`s disease”, said Nathan Spreng, assistant professor of human development and the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow in Cornell` College of Human Ecology. The researchers discovered that both pathological and healthy aging is declined by brain volume in the default network.

 “Our findings provide evidence for a network-based model of neurodegenerative disease, in which progressive brain changes spread through networks of connected brain regions”, said Spreng. This study is entitled “Structural Covariance of the Default Network in Healthy and Pathological Aging”.