Modular Brain Network Organization Predicts Response to Cognitive Training in Older Adults

Cognitive training interventions are a promising approach to mitigate cognitive deficits common in aging and, ultimately, to improve functioning in older adults. Baseline neural factors, such as properties of brain networks, may predict training outcomes and can be used to improve the effectiveness of interventions. Here, we investigated the relationship between baseline brain network modularity, a measure of the segregation of brain sub-networks, and training-related gains in cognition in older adults. We found that older adults with more segregated brain sub-networks (i.e., more modular networks) at baseline exhibited greater training improvements in the ability to synthesize complex information. Further, the relationship between modularity and training-related gains was more pronounced in sub-networks mediating "associative" functions compared with those involved in sensory-motor processing. These results suggest that assessments of brain networks can be used as a biomarker to guide the implementation of cognitive interventions and improve outcomes across individuals. More broadly, these findings also suggest that properties of brain networks may capture individual differences in learning and neuroplasticity. Trail Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT#00977418

Advances in the Research of Astrocyte Function in Neural Regeneration

Astrocytes play a critical role in maintaining the structural health of the neurons. Astrocytes create the brain environment by building up the micro-architecture of the central nervous system, maintain brain homeostasis, and control the metabolism of neural cells and synaptic activity. Astrocytes are involved in all types of brain pathologies from acute lesions to chronic neurodegenerative processes such as Alexander’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and psychiatric diseases. It was suggested that astrocytes play a negative role following the event of injury because they contribute to the formation of glial scar that inhibits the regeneration and growth of neurons. Recent compelling research shows that reactive astrocytes protect injured tissues and cells in various ways. Studies revealed that transplantation of astrocytes and glial-restricted precursor (GRP)-derived astrocytes (hGDAs) promoted neural regeneration process. In this chapter, we summarize the function of astrocytes in normal neural tissue and the cellular process of astrocytes in neural lesion. We also review the interaction of astrocytes and biomaterials and its potential application in neural regeneration

Targeting the neurophysiology of cognitive systems with transcranial alternating current stimulation

Cognitive impairment represents one of the most debilitating and most difficult symptom to treat of many psychiatric illnesses. Human neurophysiology studies have suggested specific pathologies of cortical network activity correlate with cognitive impairment. However, we lack (1) demonstration of causal relationships between specific network activity patterns and cognitive capabilities and (2) treatment modalities that directly target impaired network dynamics of cognition. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a novel non-invasive brain stimulation approach, may provide a crucial tool to tackle these challenges. We here propose that tACS can be used to elucidate the causal role of cortical synchronization in cognition and, eventually, to enhance pathologically weakened synchrony that may underlie cognitive deficits. To accelerate such development of tACS as a treatment for cognitive deficits, we discuss studies on tACS and cognition (all performed in healthy participants) according to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) of the National Institute of Mental Health