Neuroplastic Impacts of Age and Sensory Inputs on Auditory Cortical Network Function

Etienne De Villers-Sidani, McGill University

Abstract

The auditory system undergoes dynamic changes throughout the lifespan, and understanding the interplay between  brain function and sensory experience should help elucidate the mechanisms leading to age-related cognitive impairments. In fact, age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is now recognized as one of the most important potentially modifiable risk factors for the development of dementia. However, it remains unclear whether an alteration in the quality of auditory inputs during adult life could play a causal role in the establishment of more generalized cognitive impairments as found in common major neurocognitive disorders such as AD.

Building on previous studies in animal models showing that a chronic alteration in auditory input statistics is sufficient to induce (potentially maladaptive) plasticity in A1, we used Magneto-encephalography to examine the impact of aging, hearing loss, and hearing augmentation on auditory processing and cognition in older adults.

In this talk, I will discuss these findings, which underscore the dynamic nature of brain circuits across the lifespan, and show that sensory disorders could plausibly contribute to age-related cognitive impairments. A better understanding of the underpinnings of ARHL could provide useful evidence to aid in the design of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at maintaining brain health in our aging population.