Functional Connectivity Alterations in Working Memory Networks Across Age Groups

The neural basis of cognitive decline with aging remains a critical area of research within neuroscience. This study investigates the alterations in functional connectivity of brain networks associated with working memory across different age groups. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we analyzed the default mode network (DMN) and frontoparietal network (FPN) in 120 healthy participants divided into young (20-30 years), middle-aged (40-50 years), and older adults (60-70 years). Functional connectivity was assessed using independent component analysis (ICA), revealing significant decreases in connectivity strength within the FPN and between the FPN and DMN in older adults compared to younger participants (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a correlation analysis demonstrated that reduced connectivity was significantly associated with poorer working memory performance, as measured by the N-back task (r = -0.52, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the impact of aging on neural networks critical for cognitive functions, suggesting potential biomarkers for early detection of cognitive decline. Our results highlight the necessity for interventions targeting network connectivity to mitigate age-related cognitive deterioration.