Aging pattern of the brainstem based on volumetric measurement and optimized surface shape analysis

This study aimed to examine the age- and sex-related differences in the global and local structural measures of the brainstem in 187 healthy adults (ranging in age from 18 to 70  years) using structural magnetic resonance imaging. The findings showed a significant negative age effect on the volume of the two major components of the brainstem: the medulla oblongata and midbrain. The shape analysis revealed that atrophy primarily occurs in specific structures, such as the py ramid, cerebral peduncle, superior and inferior colliculi. Surface area and shape analysis showed a trend of flattening in the aging brainstem. There were no significant differences between the sexes or sex-by-age interactions in brainstem structural measures. These findings provide a systematic des cription of age associations with brainstem structures in healthy adults and may provide a reference for future research on brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Source: Brain Imaging and Behavior - Category: Neurology Source Type: research