Investigation of Central Projection Pathway between Vestibular and Perceptive Brain Regions according to Aging

Although aging affects neural tracts, limited studies have examined the aging-related changes in the vestibulohippocampal pathway (VHT). Therefore, the VHT was reconstructed in young and older adults, and investigates differences in the connectivity of the VHT and balance functions. We reconstructed the VHT using diffusion tensor imaging in 12 older adults and 12 younger adults. Functional evaluations included one-leg standing, subjective visual vertical (SVV), and timed up and go (TUG) tests. Older adults exhibited reduced tract volumes compared to young adults. Functional evaluations revealed greater sway, increased SVV deviation, and longer TUG times in older adults. Aging-related neural degeneration showed the negative correlation between VHT tract volume and balance performance. These results suggest that age-related alterations in VHT may play a role in the deterioration of vestibular function, spatial orientation, and balance. Further research is necessary to design effective interventions aimed at reducing these deficits.