Approved Research

The Impact of Ageing on Resting State Network Lateralization and its influence on memory function

Lay summary

Our brain is like a complex network of highways. Even when we're not doing anything in particular, our brain remains active, much like the day-to-day traffic on those highways. Scientists use a special brain scanner to assess brain activity by detecting blood flow in different areas of the brain. They create statistical maps that reveal which brain regions show greater activity, and more connectivity, through the increased activity between them. These datasets help researchers understand how different brain regions are organized and work together as networks, or systems. Notably, previous research suggests that our brain exhibits a degree of lateral specialization, whereby structures in the left and right hemispheres are responsible for somewhat different functions. Even during a resting state, where a person is awake, but not engaged in any particular cognitive task, the brain shows asymmetric patterns in baseline activity and network connections. However, there is also growing evidence suggesting that the activity of these two hemispheres may become more symmetrical and less specialized with ageing.

Therefore, the current research project aims to investigate how functional lateralization, during a resting state, changes with age and how it impacts memory performance, particularly in individuals ranging from middle-age to older-age. By using interdisciplinary methods, this study expects to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying early age-related changes in memory performance, before readily noticeable decline happens. As the average life expectancy increases, there is growing concern about the quality of life awaiting the older population, many of whom will experience cognitive decline and memory loss as a result of the ageing brain. Studying individuals during their middle age, when both cognitive function and brain structure may undergo significant change, we can gain important insight into the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline and brain degeneration. This may also provide clues for detecting preclinical changes associated with unhealthy aging, such as dementia. Therefore, by exploring subtle yet important transitions in brain activity patterns and their relationship with memory performance, this research project may help identify early biomarkers and screening tools for use with those at risk of age-associated brain diseases. This project is planned to continue for up to three years.