Language：English   Publisher：Clinical EEG and Neuroscience  

To investigate the relationship between age-related brain volume loss and neural functional connectivity (FC), whole brain volume and mean FC were calculated in 75 healthy participants aged 20 to 86 years (39 women, 36 men; mean age: 59.31 years). Resting-state MEG with eyes closed and MRI were conducted. Correlations between age and whole brain volume, mean neural connectivity expressed as amplitude envelope correlation (AEC) in the alpha frequency band across 66 functional parcellations, and the standard deviation (SD) of AEC were analyzed. In seven brain regions showing significant age-related volume loss, mean AEC and SD of AEC with other regions were assessed. Whole brain volume decreased with age (r = −0.322, p = .00480), particularly in participants older than 75 years (p < .05, ANOVA). AEC values also declined with age (r = −0.359, p = .00153), with significant differences observed between generational subgroups under 45 and over 75 years (p < .05). The SD of AEC decreased across the brain with age (r = −0.326, p = .0043). However, seven brain regions with significant age-related volume loss did not consistently show significant differences in AEC or its SD between generational subgroups, in contrast to consistent volume differences observed. Overall, brain volume and neural FC declined with age, accompanied by reduced variability in FC across the brain. Nevertheless, regions exhibiting significant volume loss were not always associated with functional decline in FC or its variability, suggesting the brain may compensate for global decline through localized functional adaptations.

DOI： 10.1177/15500594251410820

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

Publisher：Biosystems and Biorobotics  

Human physical function is governed by self-efficacy, the belief in one’s motor capacity. In chronic pain patients, this capacity may remain reduced long after the damage causing the pain has been cured. Chronic pain alters body schema, affecting how patients perceive the dimension and pose of their bodies. We exploit this deficit using robotic manipulation technology and augmented sensory stimuli through virtual reality technology. We propose a sensory stimuli manipulation method aimed at modifying body schema to restore lost self-efficacy.

DOI： 10.1007/978-3-031-77588-8_83

Web of Science

Scopus

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Frontiers in Psychology  

Objectives: To keep older drivers safe, it is necessary to assess their fitness to drive. We developed a touch screen-based digital Clock Drawing Test (dCDT) and examined the relationship between the dCDT scores and on-road driving performance of older drivers in a community-setting. Methods: One hundred and forty-one community-dwelling older drivers (range; 64–88 years old) who participated in this study were included in the analysis. Participants completed the dCDT, the Mini-Mental State Examination-Japanese (MMSE-J), and an on-road driving assessment. We examined the relationship between dCDT scores using the method by Rouleau et al. (maximum 10 points) and the on-road driving performance based on a driving assessment system originally developed by Nagoya University. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that errors in the driving test were associated with dCDT score for the items “confirmation,” “turning left” and “maintains driving lane position”. Discussion: This study confirmed the relationship between the dCDT score and driving errors, such as confirmation, turning left and maintaining driving lane position. The increase in these errors indicates a decline in visuospatial ability while driving. The dCDT score may reflect older drivers’ visuospatial abilities while driving.

DOI： 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1332118

Open Access

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

Publisher：Biosystems and Biorobotics  

Frailty involves not only physical and cognitive functions, but also social interactions. We initiated a cohort study to determine how these factors affect frailty with aging. This report describes the case of a 76-year-old female with suspected cognitive frailty but who remains socially healthy. Her declining physical and cognitive functions explained the atrophy in the parietal region of her brain. Her social health may be maintained by other regions of her brain compensating for the atrophied areas of her brain. This case may provide important insights into successful healthy aging.

DOI： 10.1007/978-3-031-77584-0_131

Web of Science

Scopus

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (conference, symposium, etc.)   Publisher：Japan Human Factors and Ergonomics Society  

DOI： 10.5100/jje.59.o1b1-03

CiNii Research

Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper, summary (national, other academic conference)  

Event date： 2024.6

Language：English   Presentation type：Symposium, workshop panel (public)  

Venue：Nagoya   Country：Japan