Little is still known about the neuroanatomical substrates related to changes in specific cognitive abilities in the course of healthy aging, and the existing evidence is predominantly based on cross-sectional studies. However, to understand the intricate dynamics between developmental changes in brain structure and changes in cognitive ability, longitudinal studies are needed. In the present article, we review the current longitudinal evidence on correlated changes between magnetic resonance imaging-derived measures of brain structure (e.g. gray matter/white matter volume, cortical thickness), and laboratory-based measures of fluid cognitive ability (e.g. intelligence, memory, processing speed) in healthy older adults. To theoretically embed the discussion, we refer to the revised Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition. We found 31 eligible articles, with sample sizes ranging from n = 25 to n = 731 (median n = 104), and participant age ranging from 19 to 103. Several of these studies report positive correlated changes for specific regions and specific cognitive abilities (e.g. between structures of the medial temporal lobe and episodic memory). However, the number of studies presenting converging evidence is small, and the large methodological variability between studies precludes general conclusions. Methodological and theoretical limitations are discussed. Clearly, more empirical evidence is needed to advance the field. Therefore, we provide guidance for future researchers by presenting ideas to stimulate theory and methods for development.

中文翻译：

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健康老龄化中的大脑结构和认知能力：纵向相关变化的回顾

关于健康衰老过程中与特定认知能力变化相关的神经解剖学基础仍然知之甚少，现有证据主要基于横断面研究。然而，为了了解大脑结构的发育变化和认知能力变化之间复杂的动态关系，需要进行纵向研究。在本文中，我们回顾了目前关于磁共振成像衍生的大脑结构测量（例如灰质/白质体积、皮质厚度）和基于实验室的流体认知能力测量（例如智力、健康老年人的记忆力、处理速度）。为了从理论上嵌入讨论，我们参考了修订后的衰老与认知支架理论。我们找到了 31 篇符合条件的文章，样本量范围从 n = 25 到 n = 731（中位数 n = 104），参与者年龄范围从 19 到 103。其中一些研究报告了特定区域和特定认知能力的正相关变化（例如，在内侧颞叶结构和情景记忆之间）。然而，提供一致证据的研究数量很少，而且研究之间方法学上的巨大差异排除了一般性结论。讨论了方法和理论的局限性。显然，需要更多的经验证据来推动该领域的发展。因此，我们通过提出刺激理论和方法发展的想法来为未来的研究人员提供指导。