Exploring Brain Connectivity Patterns and Cognitive Resilience in Aging: A Study with the LEMON Dataset

Investigating how brain connectivity and cognitive resilience evolve across the lifespan in healthy individuals is crucial for understanding the underpinnings of cognitive aging. This study uses the Leipzig Mind-Brain-Body (LEMON) dataset to explore the evolution of brain connectivity and cognitive resilience across the lifespan, focusing on changes in connectivity metrics among younger (20-30 years) and older adults (70-80 years) and their correlation with cognitive performance measured by the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Despite observable declines in connectivity with age, the data suggest a maintained network stability, potentially aiding in cognitive preservation. However, the weak correlations between connectivity metrics and cognitive performance suggest that cognitive resilience in aging might involve mechanisms beyond traditional connectivity measures, underscoring the importance of further exploring the complex interactions between brain networks and cognitive functions in healthy aging.