Biomarkers and Reversibility in Aging Networks for Sex-Specific Evaluation (BRAINSAGE)

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Petra Ritter
• Subject Area: Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 567302802

The BRAINSAGE project addresses critical gaps in understanding how aging affects brain dynamics in men and women. Focusing on neuroimaging biomarkers, computational modeling, and the integration of psychology and neuroscience, the project uncovers mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive and emotional changes while emphasizing sex-specific differences. Aging impacts brain dynamics by diminishing cognitive flexibility and brain adaptability, with notable differences between men and women. For example, neurodegeneration manifests differently, with Alzheimers disease being more prevalent in women and Parkinsons disease more common in men. BRAINSAGE will address these disparities by developing new models and tools integrating sex-specific data into aging research. The project builds on four key concepts, namely computability, using reservoir computing to quantify cognitive capacities; thermodynamics of mind, applying principles of irreversibility and turbulence to characterize non-equilibrium brain dynamics; whole-brain modeling, investigating the interplay between structure and function through causal modeling; and artificial stimulations, simulating transitions to healthier states using in silico interventions. BRAINSAGE leverages large existing datasets (HCP and UK Biobank), alongside new data from collaborators. Computational frameworks will quantify brain dynamics using model-free frameworks, develop whole-brain models tailored to age and sex differences, correlate neuroimaging findings with behavioral and cognitive assessments, and use AI to stratify aging populations and predict cognitive decline. Preliminary findings already show correlations between cognitive scores and computability measures derived from fMRI data. These results demonstrate BRAINSAGEs potential to identify sex-specific biomarkers and mechanisms underlying cognitive aging. The project aims to advance psychological theories by integrating insights into how aging and sex affect cognition and behavior; improve diagnostics and interventions, by developing biomarkers for early detection and targeted interventions for cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety; promote inclusive research, by addressing disparities in understanding and treating psychological conditions; empower practitioners, by providing psychologists and healthcare providers with tools to design personalized interventions; and enhance public awareness, by disseminating findings to educate the public on managing age-related psychological changes. BRAINSAGE aims to improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and advance mental health outcomes for aging populations. BRAINSAGE represents a transformative effort to understand and address the complex interplay of aging, sex, and brain dynamics. Through innovative frameworks and collaboration, the project aims to create inclusive and effective strategies in psychological research and healthcare, benefiting individuals and society at large.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Spain
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Gustavo Deco; Professor Dr. Gustavo Patow