The Influence of Aging on Brain Elasticity
Author Information
Author(s): Sack Ingolf, Streitberger Kaspar-Josche, Krefting Dagmar, Paul Friedemann, Braun Jürgen
Primary Institution: Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Hypothesis
How does physiological aging affect the viscoelastic properties of the human brain?
Conclusion
The study found that brain elasticity decreases with age, particularly in the frontal lobe.
Supporting Evidence
- A linear decline in whole-brain elasticity was observed at a rate of -0.75% per year.
- The highest decline in elasticity was found in the frontal lobe at -0.92% per year.
- The study included 66 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 72.
Takeaway
As people get older, their brain becomes softer and less elastic, especially in the front part.
Methodology
The study used magnetic resonance elastography to measure brain elasticity in healthy volunteers aged 18 to 72.
Limitations
The study's 2D MRE approach limits voxel-based comparisons and does not account for all brain regions.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 31 men and 35 women, with a mean age of 45.92 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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