Reduced Somatosensory Activations in Swallowing With Age

摘要: Understanding the neural functional organization of swallowing in healthy elders is essential diagnosing and treating older adults with difficulties. The primary aims this investiga- tion were to identify activation sites different components deglutition using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) investigate age differences control swallowing. Ten young (age range 19-25 years age) nine 66-77 right-handed individuals scanned a 3-Tesla MRI scanner. Subjects visually cued for both ''Swallow'' task component/control tasks (''Prepare swallow,'' ''Tap your tongue,'' ''Clear throat''). Behavioral interleaved gradient (BIG) methodology was used address movement related artifacts. Between-group comparisons revealed statistically stronger activa- tions somatosensory cortex during motor examined. Both groups showed activations major areas involved initiation execution move- ment; however, sensory processing, sensorimotor integration and/or coordina- control, reduced or limited activity elderly. Potential implications these findings clinical practice are discussed. Hum Brain Mapp 32:730-743, 2011. V C 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.