The Bounds Of Education In The Human Brain Connectome

Sci Rep. 2015 Aug 6:5:12812. doi: 10.1038/srep12812.

Abstract

Inter-individual heterogeneity is evident in aging; education level is known to contribute for this heterogeneity. Using a cross-sectional study design and network inference applied to resting-state fMRI data, we show that aging was associated with decreased functional connectivity in a large cortical network. On the other hand, education level, as measured by years of formal education, produced an opposite effect on the long-term. These results demonstrate the increased brain efficiency in individuals with higher education level that may mitigate the impact of age on brain functional connectivity.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Connectome*
  • Education*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Net / pathology*