Reference-frame dependent differences in spatial navigation network functional connectivity
Author(s)
Pelton, Ashley Elisabeth
Advisor(s)
Borich, Michael
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Abstract
Spatial navigation deficits are an early indicator of aging-related cognitive decline. Successful navigation depends on integrating allocentric and egocentric reference frames (RFs), processed by the hippocampus and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) shares projections with both regions, facilitating RF integration through multimodal sensory processing. However, the impact of aging and RF preference on network connectivity remains unclear. We measured PPC-RSC functional connectivity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in younger adults during a Y-Maze navigation task. Participants were classified as having an allocentric or egocentric RF preference based on their performance during the Y-Maze probe trials. Voxelwise and region-based functional connectivity analyses were conducted to assess measures of RSC-PPC connectivity during resting-state and task-based conditions. Results revealed distinct RSC-PPC connectivity patterns when comparing navigation preferences across scanning conditions. Participants with an egocentric RF preference demonstrated greater resting-state RSC-PPC connectivity, whereas participants with an allocentric RF preference demonstrated greater task-based RSC-PPC connectivity. These findings indicate context-dependent activation within the spatial navigation network and demonstrate the impact of individual RF preferences and biases on network connectivity patterns.
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Undergraduate Research Option Thesis