Age-related changes in cerebellar inhibition and its consequences for motor control (R-12269)

Aging is characterized by structural, functional and biochemical alterations of the brain, often accompanied by substantial impairments in motor function and learning. Cerebellar (CB) integrity is a substantial predictor of motor function in older adults. To date, the cerebellum received only limited attention. Therefore, this project aims to identify (1) the relation between CB neurometabolite (GABA) levels and age-related decline in bimanual motor coordination, (2) whether age-related deterioration in bimanual coordination is associated with impairments in CB–cortical connectivity and, (3) the association between age-related declines in motor skill learning ability on the one hand and CB atrophy, GABA levels, and (modulation of) connectivity on the other hand. Healthy right-handed young (n=40, 20–40 years) and older (n=40, 60–80 years) adults will be recruited, of which half of each age group will undergo a 4-day training program of a complex bimanual coordination task (experimental), while the rest performs a paradigm that does not require learning (control). Neurobiological aspects related to motor performance and learning will be investigated using a combination of noninvasive brain stimulation and multimodal imaging techniques. We aim to contribute to the fundamental knowledge regarding the neurophysiology of the aging brain and to a body of knowledge that may inspire future training programs that can alleviate or counteract the functional decline with advancing age.

Keywords:aging, cerebellum, motor control

Disciplines:Medical imaging and therapy not elsewhere classified, Behavioural neuroscience, Neurophysiology