Project R-15265

Unravelling the link between brain structure, function and motor function variability in healthy ageing using a state-of-the art whole-brain, multimodal approach. (Research)

The aim of this project is to better understand the contribution of neurobiological differences in the ageing brain to variations in motor abilities. This will be achieved by adopting a broader and more comprehensive perspective than previously done. An initial focus is on anatomical connections (i.e., white matter): how these differ with increasing age and how they contribute to motor skills. A specific focus is on white matter connections between the cerebellum, striatum, and cortex. Additionally, I am examining the importance of the composition of the entire network of anatomical connections in the brain. Both methods have not yet been evaluated within the context of ageing and motor function. Furthermore, this combination offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the relative importance of focal versus global differences in the brain. In the further development of the project, the interaction between changes in these anatomical connections and changes in the functional connectivity of the brain will be investigated. First, their relation to each other is examined. Then, they are combined in one model: an innovative research approach whose importance is generally accepted but whose implementation has so far been neglected due to its challenging nature. With this project, I expect to gain new insights into the neurobiological differences in the ageing brain that are relevant for motor function and healthy ageing.

01 November 2024 - 31 October 2028