Since age difference across the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001), the association of age with significant predictor variables was evaluated within each group using the bivariate Pearson correlation as well as in the total sample using partial correlation adjusted for group effect (Table 4). Overall, age was not found to have robust effects on most of the top variables. On the other hand, age was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the top two neuropsychological variables (memory span and total correct scores of the forward condition of the VST) only within the AUD group, suggesting that older AUD individuals displayed poorer memory performance than younger AUD subjects. Furthermore, age was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the L.ACC–R.ACC connection in the CTL group while it was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the R.IPL–L.LTC connection in the total sample.
