Relationship Between Dynamic Functional Connectivity and Cognition in Ageing

Resting-state fMRI is emerging as a powerful biomarker for neural dysfunction in neurodegenerative and psychiatric illnesses. Most studies examine resting-state functional connectivity a static state across the entire scan period, however recent advances in image acquisition have made it possible to examine dynamic changes in functional connectivity. These ‘dynamic functional connectivity’ analyses have shown that variability in network connectivity is not random, and fluctuations give rise to highly structured patterns of connectivity that emerge and dissolve over tens of seconds. The flexibility with which an individual switches between states may be indicative of disease or cognitive decline (Damaraju et al., 2014). This PhD project will examine the link between cognition and dynamic resting-state functional connectivity in a longitudinal large (n=559) healthy aged sample, the NHMRC-funded ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly Neuro (ASPREE-Neuro) study. ASPREE-Neuro forms part of the larger n=19,000 NIH- and NHMRC-funded ASPREE study. The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree in psychology, neuroscience, biomedical imaging or related discipline, and will have strong computational skills. The successful candidate will be eligible for a $5,000 per annum (3 years) top-up scholarship. The student must have an RTP/APA or equivalent scholarship to be eligible for the top-up scholarship (scholarship rounds typically close in May and October for domestic applicants).