CCN Forum - Effects of older age on brain function and cognition.

Normal aging is associated with declines in cognitive performance and multiple changes in brain structure and function. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is characterized with a gradual and progressive decline in cognitive function, leading to loss of independent living. Previous research suggests the presence of a long preclinical phase of the disease estimated to begin approximately 10 –15 years prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. In this talk I will discuss approaches for detecting early patterns of abnormal brain function. In addition, I will discuss the application of neuroimaging methods to examine the trajectory of both normal age-related brain changes and disease progression.