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Default mode network connectivity: effects of age, sex, and analytic approach

Robyn L. Bluhm, Elizabeth A. Osuch, Ruth A. Lanius, Kristine Boksman, Richard W.J. Neufeld, Jean Théberge, Peter Williamson

Neuroreport May 28, 2008 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0b013e328300ebbf (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational study Peer reviewed
Sample size 40
Population Human participants
Topics Default mode network
Citations 229
Key findings Both region of interest-based correlation analyses and independent component analysis identify the default mode network, but show less agreement on age and sex differences.

Abstract

The 'default mode network' is a set of brain regions showing correlated, low-frequency activity during rest. It includes the posterior cingulate/precuneus, medial prefrontal cortex, and bilateral inferior parietal cortex. Earlier studies have characterized this network using either region of interest-based correlation analyses or data-driven techniques; however, there is some disagreement over which method is superior. We conducted both types of analysis on a large (N=40) data set and also investigated age and sex differences in the network. Both region of interest-based analyses and independent component analysis identified the default mode network. Age and sex differences were small and there was less agreement between analytic techniques regarding age and sex effects than regarding default mode network structure.