Dynamic thermodynamic-informational entropic relationship (TIER) models of selective vulnerability to neurodegeneration

Authors

Pressman, P. S., Basaran, C., Foltz, P., Au-Yeung, W.-T., Steele, J., Silbert, L., Hunter, L. E.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases share selective vulnerability patterns suggesting common physical mechanisms. We apply unified mechanics theory to neural systems, predicting that brain regions accumulate structural damage proportional to computational workload. METHODS: We simulated a hierarchical neural network implementing relationships between mechanical work (W = F * D), proportional thermodynamic entropy accumulation, and structural failure thresholds. Neural architectures at three hierarchical levels employed Hebbian learning across 2000 simulation sets, tracking entropy generation and dynamic stability. A coupled "siphon" model simulated cortical and subcortical support populations under constant cognitive demand. RESULTS: Heteromodal integration nodes consistently exhibited elevated work, accelerated entropy accumulation, and dynamic instability across architectures. Support systems reached 50% population loss before cortical systems despite lower absolute work, demonstrating accelerated compensatory failure. DISCUSSION: These thermodynamic-informational entropic relationships (TIER) reveal physical mechanisms underlying selective vulnerability across neurodegenerative diseases, reframing neurodegeneration as inevitable consequence of evolutionary trade-offs optimizing cognition over longevity.

Preprint server: bioRxiv
The authors list and abstract were imported from bioRxiv on 12 Apr 2026.

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