Overview

• High-resolution MRI scans showed that adults aged 67–75 exhibit greater locus coeruleus activity than those aged 21–29 when processing unclear facial expressions.
• Connectivity between the locus coeruleus and prefrontal cortex was significantly stronger in older participants and linked to higher scores on mental well-being measures.
• This strengthened LC-PFC pathway appears to compensate for age-related declines in complex social cognition.
• Authors of the Journal of Neuroscience paper suggest that modulating this neural circuit could support emotional regulation in older adults.
• Findings highlight potential neuromodulatory interventions for individuals with anxiety or depression by harnessing the LC-PFC network.