|
1
|
Azarias FR, Almeida GHDR, de Melo LF, Rici REG, Maria DA. The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health. BIOLOGY 2025; 14:395. [PMID: 40282260 PMCID: PMC12025022 DOI: 10.3390/biology14040395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2025] [Revised: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 03/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
The Default Mode Network has been extensively studied in recent decades due to its central role in higher cognitive processes and its relevance for understanding mental disorders. This neural network, characterized by synchronized and coherent activity at rest, is intrinsically linked to self-reflection, mental exploration, social interaction, and emotional processing. Our understanding of the DMN extends beyond humans to non-human animals, where it has been observed in various species, highlighting its evolutionary basis and adaptive significance throughout phylogenetic history. Additionally, the DMN plays a crucial role in brain development during childhood and adolescence, influencing fundamental cognitive and emotional processes. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the DMN, addressing its structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects, as well as its impact from infancy to adulthood. By gaining a deeper understanding of the organization and function of the DMN, we can advance our knowledge of the neural mechanisms that underlie cognition, behavior, and mental health. This, in turn, can lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for a range of neuropsychiatric conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rici Azarias
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, SP, Brazil;
| | - Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues Almeida
- Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, SP, Brazil; (G.H.D.R.A.); (L.F.d.M.); (R.E.G.R.)
| | - Luana Félix de Melo
- Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, SP, Brazil; (G.H.D.R.A.); (L.F.d.M.); (R.E.G.R.)
| | - Rose Eli Grassi Rici
- Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, SP, Brazil; (G.H.D.R.A.); (L.F.d.M.); (R.E.G.R.)
- Graduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Durvanei Augusto Maria
- Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, SP, Brazil; (G.H.D.R.A.); (L.F.d.M.); (R.E.G.R.)
- Graduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05585-000, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Pommy JM, Cohen A, Mahil A, Glass Umfleet L, Swanson SJ, Franczak M, Obarski S, Ristow K, Wang Y. Changes in cerebrovascular reactivity within functional networks in older adults with long-COVID. Front Neurol 2025; 16:1504573. [PMID: 40206293 PMCID: PMC11981175 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1504573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive symptoms are reported in the vast majority of individuals with long-COVID and there is growing support to suggest neurovascular mechanisms may play a role. Older adults are at increased risk for developing complications associated with COVID-19, including heightened risk for cognitive decline. Cerebrovascular Reactivity (CVR), a marker of neurovascular health, has been linked to age related cognitive decline and may play a role in long-COVID, however, this has not yet been explored. Methods The present study examined group differences in CVR in 31 older adults with long-COVID compared to 31 cognitively unimpaired older adults without long-COVID symptoms. Follow up analyses were conducted to examine how CVR was associated with both subjective cognitive symptoms and neuropsychological (NP) test performance. A subject-specific approach, Distribution-Corrected Z-scores (DisCo-Z), was used. Results Analyses revealed the long-COVID group demonstrated significantly greater incidence of extreme CVR clusters within the brain (>100 voxels) and within functional networks thought to drive attention and executive function. Extreme positive CVR clusters were positively associated with greater number of subjective cognitive symptoms and negatively correlated with NP performance. Discussion These findings are among the first to provide a link between cognitive functioning in long-COVID and neurovascular changes relevant for aging and mechanistic studies of long-COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Pommy
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Alexander Cohen
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Amarpreet Mahil
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Laura Glass Umfleet
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Sara J. Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Malgorzata Franczak
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Shawn Obarski
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kelly Ristow
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Prince JB, Davis HL, Tan J, Muller-Townsend K, Markovic S, Lewis DMG, Hastie B, Thompson MB, Drummond PD, Fujiyama H, Sohrabi HR. Cognitive and neuroscientific perspectives of healthy ageing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105649. [PMID: 38579902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
With dementia incidence projected to escalate significantly within the next 25 years, the United Nations declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing, emphasising cognition as a crucial element. As a leading discipline in cognition and ageing research, psychology is well-equipped to offer insights for translational research, clinical practice, and policy-making. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current state of knowledge on age-related changes in cognition and psychological health. We discuss cognitive changes during ageing, including (a) heterogeneity in the rate, trajectory, and characteristics of decline experienced by older adults, (b) the role of cognitive reserve in age-related cognitive decline, and (c) the potential for cognitive training to slow this decline. We also examine ageing and cognition through multiple theoretical perspectives. We highlight critical unresolved issues, such as the disparate implications of subjective versus objective measures of cognitive decline and the insufficient evaluation of cognitive training programs. We suggest future research directions, and emphasise interdisciplinary collaboration to create a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that modulate cognitive ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon B Prince
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia.
| | - Helen L Davis
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | - Jane Tan
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | - Katrina Muller-Townsend
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | - Shaun Markovic
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Discipline of Psychology, Counselling and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - David M G Lewis
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | | | - Matthew B Thompson
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | - Peter D Drummond
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | - Hakuei Fujiyama
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | - Hamid R Sohrabi
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|