Anatomical and Functional Neural Networks Changes in Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Aging

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Fermín Segovia

University of Granada

University of Udine

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With older age, adults become increasingly at risk of developing cognitive impairments most often characterized by progressive decline of higher order cognitive functions such as memory, attention and reasoning. Both in healthy and pathological aging processes individuals experience a degree of cognitive decline however in a clinical cognitive impairment the decline is more significant. A noticeable decline can have a negative impact on the individual’s overall sense of wellbeing, lead to premature death and difficulties in everyday and societal functioning.

Many attempts have been made to explain cognitive aging on a molecular, cellular and localized level. Yet higher order cognitive functions are supported by a large number of interconnected brain areas forming complex neural networks. For this reason, in recent years, studies investigating neural networks changes in healthy and pathological aging attracted considerable attention. The knowledge of how, where and when brain networks change, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to deterioration of cognitive abilities. Potential implications include, but are not limited to, better differentiation between healthy and pathological aging and identification of underlying mechanisms informing therapeutic strategies.

The aim of this Research Topic is to give an up to date, comprehensive overview of the anatomical and functional neural networks changes in healthy, and cognitively impaired older adults.

With older age, adults become increasingly at risk of developing cognitive impairments most often characterized by progressive decline of higher order cognitive functions such as memory, attention and reasoning. Both in healthy and pathological aging processes individuals experience a degree of cognitive decline however in a clinical cognitive impairment the decline is more significant. A noticeable decline can have a negative impact on the individual’s overall sense of wellbeing, lead to premature death and difficulties in everyday and societal functioning.

Many attempts have been made to explain cognitive aging on a molecular, cellular and localized level. Yet higher order cognitive functions are supported by a large number of interconnected brain areas forming complex neural networks. For this reason, in recent years, studies investigating neural networks changes in healthy and pathological aging attracted considerable attention. The knowledge of how, where and when brain networks change, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to deterioration of cognitive abilities. Potential implications include, but are not limited to, better differentiation between healthy and pathological aging and identification of underlying mechanisms informing therapeutic strategies.

The aim of this Research Topic is to give an up to date, comprehensive overview of the anatomical and functional neural networks changes in healthy, and cognitively impaired older adults.

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Fermín Segovia

University of Granada

University of Udine

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Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

Neurocognitive Aging and Behavior

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