Decoupling of the structural connectome in the elderly

In 2010, approximately 35.6 million people suffered from dementia around the world and the number is expected to double every 20 years. These alarming predictions call for a better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning cognitive decline in aging. One of the key cardiovascular risk factors for cognitive decline is arterial stiffening. My project involves the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques to create a road map of the brain called the connectome. My ultimate goal is to compare the connectome of individuals with high stiff arteries against those with lower stiff arteries and highlight their differences. This will help understand which regions in the brain are more susceptible to be altered following vascular aging. Consequently, my work could help tailor future interventions in order to preserve cognitive performance throughout the lifespan.

Faculty Supervisor:

Julien Cohen-Adad

Student:

Partner:

Karolinska Institute

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: