Resting state brain networks activity and association with transfer of cognitive training gains

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAge‐related cognitive decline increases the need for cognitive interventions to maintain cognitive function. Cognitive training is considered an effective non‐pharmacological intervention. Transfer of training gains to untrained tasks is a key indicator for the effectiveness of cognitive training. However, the underlying brain mechanisms need to be further investigated. We implemented a cognitive training study to assess functional connectivity determinants of transfer of training gains.MethodA sample of 181 healthy older adults (mean age: 68 years) underwent a 4‐week cognitive training across three sites. The control group consisted of 54 older adults. To evaluate transfer and training effects, participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment before and after the training. A second follow‐up assessment was applied 12 weeks after the training. The training group was divided in subjects who had and who did not have successful transfer, which was defined as higher improvement in cognitive tasks than the control group. We used composite scores representing working memory, memory and executive functions to assess transfer and training effects. Baseline resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate the functional connectivity of brain networks associated with cognitive functions. We extracted brain resting state networks using the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) approach.ResultWe observed successful transfer of cognitive training gains in most of the participants. Our results demonstrated spatially restricted effects (p<.01 uncorrected) for the association of transfer of gains with the resting‐state connectivity of brain networks, such as the Default Mode Network and Central Executive Network.ConclusionTransfer of training gains in aging is possible. A strong association between transfer of gains and resting‐state functional connectivity was not identified.