Structural Neural Correlates of Double Decision Performance in Older Adults

Abstract

Speed of processing is a cognitive domain that encompasses the speed at which an individual can perceive a given stimulus, interpret the information, and produce a correct response. Speed of processing has been shown to decline more rapidly than other cognitive domains in an aging population, suggesting that this domain is particularly vulnerable to cognitive aging (Chee et al., 2009). However, given the heterogeneity of neuropsychological measures used to assess the domains underpinning speed of processing, a diffuse pattern of brain regions has been implicated. The current study aims to investigate the structural neural correlates of speed of processing by assessing cortical volume and speed of processing scores on the POSIT Double Decision task within a healthy older adult population (N = 186; mean age = 71.70 ± 5.32 years). T1-weighted structural images were collected via a 3T Siemens scanner. The current study shows that less cortical thickness in right temporal, posterior frontal, parietal and occipital lobe structures were significantly associated with poorer Double Decision scores. Notably, these include the lateral orbitofrontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, superior, transverse, and inferior temporal gyrus, temporal pole, insula, parahippocampal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, lingual gyrus, superior and inferior parietal gyrus and lateral occipital gyrus. Such findings suggest that speed of processing performance is associated with a wide array of cortical regions that provide unique contributions to performance on the Double Decision task.

The association between head motion during functional magnetic resonance imaging and executive functioning in older adults

“…This has been explored in young adults, however, showing that more in-scanner motion was related to worse impulse control ( Kong et al, 2014 ). In cognitively healthy aging, older adults experience further declines in cognitive control domains like working memory, inhibition, and flexibility related to changes in brain structure and function ( Evangelista et al, 2021 ; Hausman et al, 2020 ; Kraft et al, 2020 ; Peters, 2006 ; Salthouse, 2010 ). Less cognitive control may influence an individual’s capability to implement a verbal instruction (e.g., “remain still throughout the duration of a scan”), to consistently monitor their head motion, and to suppress distractions from the novel scanning environment (e.g., loud noises).…”

Effects of mixed metal exposures on MRI diffusion features in the medial temporal lobe

“…In the current study, our exposed subjects also displayed lower processing/psychomotor speed performance. Previous studies also observed significant associations between parahippocampal gyrus thickness and processing speed scores, particularly when working with visuospatial materials (Kraft et al, 2020;Takahashi et al, 2002). Speedy information processing may be crucial for various cognitive functions requiring attention, encoding and retrieval of to-beremembered information, reasoning, decision making, and visuospatial perceptions (Salthouse, 1996).…”

“…The underlying mechanism is not clear, but the results are consistent with previous reports of significant associations between parahippocampal gyrus thickness and processing speed scores, particularly when performing visuospatial tasks. 124,125 Speedy information processing may be crucial for various functional abilities including attention, encoding and retrieval of to-be-remembered information, reasoning, decision making, and visuospatial perceptions. 126 Recent structural and functional neuroimaging studies also suggested that the hippocampus may be involved in various neuropsychological tasks such as working memory, executive function, spatial processing, and sensorimotor integration.…”

Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Cognitive Training on Frontal Lobe Neurotransmitter Concentrations

“…Glx and GABA concentrations were quantified using a voxel positioned within the prefrontal cortex, which underlies both working memory and speed of processing abilities. Age-related structural declines in the prefrontal cortex have been associated with worse performance on working memory and speed of processing tasks ( Kraft et al, 2020 ; Evangelista et al, 2021 ). Further, 1 H-MRS studies have demonstrated age-related declines in prefrontal GABA and glutamate concentrations, beginning in middle age ( Grachev et al, 2001 ).…”