Neurochemical basis of the change in attention control and memory encoding in normal aging

Dr Mak, Henry Ka Fung   (Principal Investigator (PI))

Dr Chiu Pui Wai   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Yau Kelvin Kai wing   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Chu Leung Wing   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Kwan Joseph Shiu Kwong   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Wong Wai Ho Savio   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Shea Yat Fung   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Song You-qiang   (Co-Investigator)

24

2015-12-01

417221

Neurochemical basis of the change in attention control and memory encoding in normal aging

cognitive processes, glutamate, normal aging, proton MR spectroscopy, task-based BOLD-fMRI

Imaging

Biology and Medicine (M)

17108315

General Research Fund (GRF)

2015

Completed

1 To investigate the relationship between absolute concentrations of Glu, NAA, and other metabolites in the ACC and bilateral hippocampi with activations in BOLD-fMRI during attention and memory-encoding tasks across age groups. Impact: provides a neurochemical basis for the ""compensation hypothesis"" seen in previous fMRI studies; improve understanding of metabolic changes in normal aging. 2 To investigate the possible differences in metabolite concentration and fMRI activation in subjects with high risk of developing AD (APOE-ɛ4 positive) compared to those with low risk. Impact: if metabolic and functional changes are observed in pre-symptomatic subjects with high risk of developing AD, this technique may become a useful tool for non-invasive early diagnosis. 3 To investigate the change in Glu:Gln ratios with age in the ACC and bilateral hippocampi. Impact: close regulation of the breakdown from Glu into Gln could be a protective function against excitotoxicity from excess Glu in the synaptic cleft. Damage to this regulatory mechanism could lead to neuronal death and pathogenesis.