Observational analysis identifies pareidolic illusions linked to lower gray matter volume in older adults, suggesting early neurodegenerative markers.
Key Points
Pareidolic illusions were found in 35.1% of older adults, indicating a prevalence in community-dwelling individuals without dementia.
Participants with pareidolic illusions exhibited significantly lower gray matter volume in sensory processing areas and were more likely diagnosed with MCI.
The study utilized voxel-based morphometry of brain MRI data to uncover neuroanatomical differences associated with pareidolic illusions.
The findings suggest pareidolic illusions could serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative changes in visuoperceptual pathways.