Aging and executive control mechanisms: neural structure-function relationships for inhibitory control of bimanual actions.

Aging is often associated with a progressive decline of cognitive and motor functions. However, recent evidence points to neuroplastic changes , which remain manifest across the lifespan. This view has convincingly been supported by studies demonstrating the recruitment of extra neural resources in older vs younger adults, i.e., age-related compensatory neural "overactivation". In the present project, we will go beyond these base descriptions of compensatory networks by unraveling its deeper mechanisms during tasks requiring 'executive control'. In phase 1, we will determine cortical overactivations in tasks requiring inhibition of planned responses and/or switching to different responses with the hypothesis that basal ganglia (BG) degeneration/dysfunction may account for cortical overactivation. In phase 2, we will study inhibitory processes during complex bimanual responses and will explore relations between overactivation and structural integrity of the cormus callosum. Detailed registrations of motor behavior will be combined with structural (white Diffusion Tensor DTI, iron concentration) and functional (fMRI, neural activation) brain measures, as well as brain stimulation techniques (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS).

Keywords:Cognitive control, Interlimb coordination, Transvranial magnetic stimulation, Functional magnetic resonance imaging, Motor control, Aging

Disciplines:Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing, Animal experimental and comparative psychology, Applied psychology, Human experimental psychology, Orthopaedics