Although language is quite preserved from aging, it remains unclear whether age-related differences lead to a deterioration or reorganization in language functional networks, or to different dynamics with other domains (e.g., the multiple-demand system). The present study is aimed at examining language networks, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in typical aging in relation to language performance. Twenty-three (23) younger adults and 24 healthy older adults were recruited. Volumetric gray matter differences between the 2 groups were assessed using voxel-based morphometry. Then, seed-based analyses, integrated local correlations in core regions of the language network, and within- and between-network connectivity were performed. We expected less extended connectivity maps, local coherence diminution, and higher connectivity with the multiple-demand system in older adults. On the contrary, analyses showed language network differences in healthy aging (i.e., increased connectivity with areas inside and outside language network), but no deterioration, despite widespread atrophy in older adults. Integrated local correlation revealed alterations that were unnoticeable with other analyses. Although gray matter loss was not correlated with language performance, connectivity differences were positively correlated with fluency performance in the older group. These results differ from the literature concerning other cognitive networks in aging in that they show extra internetwork connections without a decrease in intranetwork language connections. This reorganization could explain older adults' good language performance and could be interpreted in accordance with the scaffolding theory of aging and cognition.

中文翻译：

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尽管灰质丢失，但增加的功能连接支持健康老龄化时的语言表现

尽管语言完全免于老化，但尚不清楚与年龄相关的差异是否会导致语言功能网络的恶化或重组，或者导致与其他领域（例如，多需求系统）的不同动态。本研究旨在检查语言网络，在与语言表现相关的典型衰老中使用静息状态功能磁共振成像。招募了二十三 (23) 名年轻人和 24 名健康老年人。使用基于体素的形态测量法评估两组之间的体积灰质差异。然后，进行了基于种子的分析、语言网络核心区域的综合局部相关性以及网络内和网络间的连接性。我们期望较少扩展的连接图，局部相干性降低，以及与老年人多需求系统的更高连接性。相反，分析显示健康老龄化时的语言网络存在差异（即，与语言网络内外区域的连通性增加），但没有恶化，尽管老年人普遍萎缩。综合局部相关性揭示了其他分析无法察觉的改变。尽管灰质损失与语言表现无关，但连接差异与年长组的流畅表现呈正相关。这些结果与有关老化的其他认知网络的文献不同，因为它们显示出额外的网络连接，而没有减少网络内语言连接。这种重组可以解释老年人的