BOLD fMRI activations and LC contrast associated with successful episodic memory in healthy older adults and MCI
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We examined whether locus coeruleus (LC) contrast, an indirect proxy for neuronal density and structural health, was related to delayed episodic memory in healthy older adults (OAs) and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its association with encoding-related brain activity, controlling for emotional salience. METHODS: Participants (27 younger adults, 26 OAs, and 24 MCI) memorized emotional and neutral images during functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Delayed memory was tested after 4 h and compared to immediate memory. LC contrast was measured via LC-sensitive MRI. RESULTS: Memory was lower, independent of delay or emotional valence, and LC contrast was more strongly reduced in those with MCI compared to OAs. In OAs, LC contrast correlated with delayed memory and was mildly associated with LC activity during successful encoding. All groups remembered emotional images better than neutral ones, though memory was greatly impaired in those with MCI. DISCUSSION: LC contrast was associated with lower brain activity during encoding and emotional salience processing. Its relationship to delayed memory was evident in those with MCI.
Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia
DOI: 10.1002/alz.71682
Institutions: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Istanbul University, University of Naples Federico II, University College London, Universität Innsbruck, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Leipzig University, King's College London, Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,200
Funders: Wellcome Trust, UK Research and Innovation, Alzheimer's Research Trust, University College London, European Commission, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Universität Innsbruck, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health
Awards: G170949908, G2139918009, Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, G2955649169, IronSleep - Neurobildgebungs- und Schlafbiomarker für die Früherkennung und Verlaufskontrolle der Parkinson-Krankheit und Untersuchung der zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen, G3427088651, Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, G5438780437, G5882669802, G6265207165, Antibodies against Nogo-A to enhance plasticity, regeneration and functional recovery after acute spinal cord injury, a multicenter European clinical proof of concept trial, G7708717202, G8364694133, Representational dynamics for flexible learning in complex environments
OpenAlex ID: W7172541140