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Scheper I, Brazil IA, Claassen JAHR, Bertens D, Geurts S, Kessels RPC. Learning capacity in early-stage Alzheimer's disease: The role of feedback during learning on memory performance. J Neuropsychol 2024; 18:100-119. [PMID: 37319104 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a decline in episodic memory and executive functioning, hampering learning ability. Insight into outcome-based learning capacity may be relevant for optimizing the learning potential of these patients. To date, mixed results have been found in studies in which cognitively impaired participants have to learn based on positive and negative outcomes. In this study, we investigated the role of negative and positive feedback on memory performance and participants' ability to adjust their behaviour accordingly in a sample of 23 early-stage AD patients and 23 matched healthy controls. We administered a novel computerized object-location memory task, in which participants were instructed to learn and memorize the locations of different everyday objects following errorless learning (EL) and trial-and-error learning (TEL). A separate probabilistic TEL task was employed in which participants had to learn how to adjust their behaviour based on positive and negative feedback. EL had a beneficial general effect on memory performance for object locations. However, this effect was not larger in early-stage AD patients compared to controls and error frequency during acquisition of object locations was unrelated to later recall performance. No group differences were found on the probabilistic learning task with respect to learning performance over time and based on positive and negative feedback. Although the error monitoring system seems intact in patients with early-stage AD, errors during learning are likely acting as a source of interference causing difficulty in storage or retrieval of object locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Scheper
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center for Psychiatry, GGZ Centraal, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Inti A Brazil
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Division Diagnostics, Research, & Education, Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A H R Claassen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Dirk Bertens
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Specialists, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Sofie Geurts
- Department of Medical Psychology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Specialists, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
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2
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Liu Y, Liu D, Liu M, Li K, Shi Q, Wang C, Pan Z, Zhou L. The microstructural abnormalities of cingulum was related to patients with mild cognitive impairment: a diffusion kurtosis imaging study. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:171-180. [PMID: 36169754 PMCID: PMC9816220 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to investigate the correlations between microstructural changes of cingulum and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) technique. METHOD A total of 104 patients with cerebral small vessel diseases (cSVD) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. According to Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) scores, these patients were divided into MCI group (n = 59) and non-MCI group (n = 45). The general clinical data was collected and analyzed. The regions of interests (ROIs) were selected for investigation in cingulum. The values of DKI parameters were measured in each ROI and compared between the two groups, the correlations between DKI parameters and MoCA scores were examined. RESULTS Compared to non-MCI group, MCI patients had more severe white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) (P = 0.038) and lower MoCA scores (P < 0.01). MCI patients showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA), axial kurtosis (AK), mean kurtosis (MK), radial kurtosis (RK), and kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA) in the left cingulum in the cingulated cortex (CgC) region (all P < 0.0125). In the left CgC region, FA, AK, MK, RK, and KFA were positively correlated with MoCA scores (r = 0.348, 0.409, 0.310, 0.441, 0.422, all P < 0.001). Meanwhile, FA, AK, MK, RK, and KFA were also positively correlated with MoCA scores (r = 0.338, 0.352, 0.289, 0.380, 0.370, all P < 0.001) in the right CgC region. CONCLUSION DKI technique could be used to explore the microstructural changes of cingulum in MCI patients and DKI-derived parameters might be feasible to evaluate MCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongtao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 5, Jingyuan Road, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 5, Jingyuan Road, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinglei Shi
- MR Scientific Marketing, Diagnosis Imaging, Siemens Healthineers China, Beijing, China
| | - Chenlong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Pan
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lichun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 5, Jingyuan Road, Beijing, China
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3
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Yu T, Liu X, Wu J, Wang Q. Electrophysiological Biomarkers of Epileptogenicity in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:747077. [PMID: 34916917 PMCID: PMC8669481 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.747077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical network hyperexcitability is an inextricable feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that also might accelerate its progression. Seizures are reported in 10–22% of patients with AD, and subclinical epileptiform abnormalities have been identified in 21–42% of patients with AD without seizures. Accurate identification of hyperexcitability and appropriate intervention to slow the compromise of cognitive functions of AD might open up a new approach to treatment. Based on the results of several studies, epileptiform discharges, especially those with specific features (including high frequency, robust morphology, right temporal location, and occurrence during awake or rapid eye movement states), frequent small sharp spikes (SSSs), temporal intermittent rhythmic delta activities (TIRDAs), and paroxysmal slow wave events (PSWEs) recorded in long-term scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) provide sufficient sensitivity and specificity in detecting cortical network hyperexcitability and epileptogenicity of AD. In addition, magnetoencephalogram (MEG), foramen ovale (FO) electrodes, and computational approaches help to find subclinical seizures that are invisible on scalp EEGs. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the aforementioned electrophysiological biomarkers of AD-related seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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4
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Bernstein AS, Rapcsak SZ, Hornberger M, Saranathan M. Structural Changes in Thalamic Nuclei Across Prodromal and Clinical Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:361-371. [PMID: 34024824 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that thalamic nuclei may atrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We hypothesized that there will be significant atrophy of limbic thalamic nuclei associated with declining memory and cognition across the AD continuum. OBJECTIVE The objective of this work was to characterize volume differences in thalamic nuclei in subjects with early and late mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as AD when compared to healthy control (HC) subjects using a novel MRI-based thalamic segmentation technique (THOMAS). METHODS MPRAGE data from the ADNI database were used in this study (n = 540). Healthy control (n = 125), early MCI (n = 212), late MCI (n = 114), and AD subjects (n = 89) were selected, and their MRI data were parcellated to determine the volumes of 11 thalamic nuclei for each subject. Volumes across the different clinical subgroups were compared using ANCOVA. RESULTS There were significant differences in thalamic nuclei volumes between HC, late MCI, and AD subjects. The anteroventral, mediodorsal, pulvinar, medial geniculate, and centromedian nuclei were significantly smaller in subjects with late MCI and AD when compared to HC subjects. Furthermore, the mediodorsal, pulvinar, and medial geniculate nuclei were significantly smaller in early MCI when compared to HC subjects. CONCLUSION This work highlights nucleus specific atrophy within the thalamus in subjects with early and late MCI and AD. This is consistent with the hypothesis that memory and cognitive changes in AD are mediated by damage to a large-scale integrated neural network that extends beyond the medial temporal lobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Bernstein
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, USA
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5
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Wu X, Wu Y, Geng Z, Zhou S, Wei L, Ji GJ, Tian Y, Wang K. Asymmetric Differences in the Gray Matter Volume and Functional Connections of the Amygdala Are Associated With Clinical Manifestations of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:602. [PMID: 32670008 PMCID: PMC7332559 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Asymmetry is a subtle but pervasive aspect of the human brain, which may be altered in several neuropsychiatric conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have reported that cerebral structural asymmetries are altered in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but most of these studies were conducted at the region-of-interest level. At the functional level, there are few reports of resting-state functional asymmetries based on functional MRI. In this study, we investigated lateral differences in structural volumes and strengths of functional connectivity between individuals with AD and healthy controls (HCs) at the voxel level. Methods Forty-eight patients with AD and 32 matched HCs were assessed. An analysis of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of gray matter volume was performed at the whole-brain level to explore anatomical cerebral asymmetries in AD. We then performed a seed-to-whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis to reveal FC asymmetries in AD. An asymmetry index (AI) was used to measure these changes, and the relationship between the structural and functional AIs and the clinical symptoms of AD was explored. Results A VBM analysis revealed a rightward and a leftward lateralization in the amygdala and the thalamus, respectively, in patients with AD. FC between the amygdala and the precuneus showed a rightward lateralization in AD, which was the opposite of the lateralization in the HCs. The asymmetric changes in structure and function were associated with disease severity and functional impairment in AD. Conclusion Our study highlights the value of considering asymmetries in the amygdala and the thalamus in clinical evaluations and their relevance to clinical measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqi Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Geng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Gong-Jun Ji
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China.,Department of Medical Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China.,Department of Medical Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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6
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Srivishagan S, Perera AAI, Hojjat A, Ratnarajah N. Brain Network Measures for Groups of Nodes: Application to Normal Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Connect 2020; 10:316-327. [PMID: 32458697 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2020.0747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The nodal brain network measures (e.g., centrality measures) are defined for a single node and the global network measures (e.g., global efficiency) are defined for the whole brain in the literature. But a meaningful group of nodes will be benefited from a formulation that applies to a group of nodes rather than a single node or the whole brain. The question such as "which brain lobe is more structurally central in the older-adult brain?" could be answered to some extent by the application of a centrality measure that applied to the group of nodes from each lobe. In the brain asymmetric studies, path-based global measures were applied to the left and right hemispherical networks separately, considering only intrahemispheric edges. However, for a valid comparison, such global measures should include the interhemispheric edges as well. This problem can be solved by considering both hemispherical nodes as two groups in one network. Methods: Novel definitions for group nodes network measures are presented in this study, to solve a number of such group-context problems in the brain networks analysis. We apply the group measures to the structural connectomes of older adults and Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects based on the brain lobes and hemispherical groups to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed measures. Results: The temporal and parietal lobes are the most central lobes in older adults and AD, but the strength of these lobes has been heavily affected in AD. However, the rewiring of the AD brain preserves the paths for communication between other regions through these lobes. Leftward efficiency revealed in older adults and the asymmetry disappeared in the rewired AD. Conclusion: We prove that the concepts of group network measures have the potential to solve a number of such group-context problems in the brain networks analysis and the group network measures change the way of analyzing brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subaramya Srivishagan
- Faculty of Applied Science, Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Ali Hojjat
- School of Computer Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Nagulan Ratnarajah
- Faculty of Applied Science, Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
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7
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Vakhtin AA, Zhang Y, Wintermark M, Massaband P, Robinson MT, Ashford JW, Furst AJ. White Matter Asymmetry: A Reflection of Pathology in Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:373-381. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A. Vakhtin
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Yu Zhang
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
| | - Max Wintermark
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Neuroradiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Payam Massaband
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Departments of Radiology, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
| | - Miguel T. Robinson
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
| | - John W. Ashford
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ansgar J. Furst
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Polytrauma, System of Care, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
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8
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Low A, Mak E, Malpetti M, Chouliaras L, Nicastro N, Su L, Holland N, Rittman T, Rodríguez PV, Passamonti L, Bevan-Jones WR, Jones PS, Rowe JB, O'Brien JT. Asymmetrical atrophy of thalamic subnuclei in Alzheimer's disease and amyloid-positive mild cognitive impairment is associated with key clinical features. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING 2019; 11:690-699. [PMID: 31667328 PMCID: PMC6811895 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadm.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Although widespread cortical asymmetries have been identified in Alzheimer's disease (AD), thalamic asymmetries and their relevance to clinical severity in AD remain unclear. Methods Lateralization indices were computed for individual thalamic subnuclei of 65 participants (33 healthy controls, 14 amyloid-positive patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 18 patients with AD dementia). We compared lateralization indices across diagnostic groups and correlated them with clinical measures. Results Although overall asymmetry of the thalamus did not differ between groups, greater leftward lateralization of atrophy in the ventral nuclei was demonstrated in AD, compared with controls and amyloid-positive mild cognitive impairment. Increased posterior ventrolateral and ventromedial nuclei asymmetry were associated with worse cognitive dysfunction, informant-reported neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional ability. Discussion Leftward ventral thalamic atrophy was associated with disease severity in AD. Our findings suggest the clinically relevant involvement of thalamic nuclei in the pathophysiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Low
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elijah Mak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maura Malpetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Leonidas Chouliaras
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Nicastro
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Li Su
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Negin Holland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Rittman
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Luca Passamonti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - W Richard Bevan-Jones
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pp Simon Jones
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James B Rowe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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9
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Lam AD, Cole AJ, Cash SS. New Approaches to Studying Silent Mesial Temporal Lobe Seizures in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurol 2019; 10:959. [PMID: 31551916 PMCID: PMC6737997 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Silent seizures were discovered in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease over 10 years ago, yet it remains unclear whether these seizures are a salient feature of Alzheimer's disease in humans. Seizures that arise early in the course of Alzheimer's disease most likely originate from the mesial temporal lobe, one of the first structures affected by Alzheimer's disease pathology and one of the most epileptogenic regions of the brain. Several factors greatly limit our ability to identify mesial temporal lobe seizures in patients with Alzheimer's disease, however. First, mesial temporal lobe seizures can be difficult to recognize clinically, as their accompanying symptoms are often subtle or even non-existent. Second, electrical activity arising from the mesial temporal lobe is largely invisible on the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG), the mainstay of diagnosis for epilepsy in this population. In this review, we will describe two new approaches being used to study silent mesial temporal lobe seizures in Alzheimer's disease. We will first describe the methodology and application of foramen ovale electrodes, which captured the first recordings of silent mesial temporal lobe seizures in humans with Alzheimer's disease. We will then describe machine learning approaches being developed to non-invasively identify silent mesial temporal lobe seizures on scalp EEG. Both of these tools have the potential to elucidate the role of silent seizures in humans with Alzheimer's disease, which could have important implications for early diagnosis, prognostication, and development of targeted therapies for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice D. Lam
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J. Cole
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sydney S. Cash
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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10
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Chen D, Jiang J, Lu J, Wu P, Zhang H, Zuo C, Shi K. Brain Network and Abnormal Hemispheric Asymmetry Analyses to Explore the Marginal Differences in Glucose Metabolic Distributions Among Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease Dementia, and Lewy Body Dementia. Front Neurol 2019; 10:369. [PMID: 31031697 PMCID: PMC6473028 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Facilitating accurate diagnosis and ensuring appropriate treatment of dementia subtypes, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), and Lewy body dementia (DLB), is clinically important. However, the differences in glucose metabolic distribution among these three dementia subtypes are minor, which can result in difficulties in diagnosis by visual assessment or traditional quantification methods. Here, we explored this issue using novel approaches, including brain network and abnormal hemispheric asymmetry analyses. We generated 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) images from patients with AD, PDD, and DLB, and healthy control (HC) subjects (n = 22, 18, 22, and 22, respectively) from Huashan hospital, Shanghai, China. Brain network properties were measured and between-group differences evaluated using graph theory. We also calculated and explored asymmetry indices for the cerebral hemispheres in the four groups, to explore whether differences between the two hemispheres were characteristic of each group. Our study revealed significant differences in the network properties of the HC and AD groups (small-world coefficient, 1.36 vs. 1.28; clustering coefficient, 1.48 vs. 1.59; characteristic path length, 1.57 vs. 1.64). In addition, differing hub regions were identified in the different dementias. We also identified rightward asymmetry in the hemispheric brain networks of patients with AD and DLB, and leftward asymmetry in the hemispheric brain networks of patients with PDD, which were attributable to aberrant topological properties in the corresponding hemispheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyan Chen
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiehui Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Lu
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Wu
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiwei Zhang
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuantao Zuo
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuangyu Shi
- Department Nuclear Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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11
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Cory-Slechta DA, Allen JL, Conrad K, Marvin E, Sobolewski M. Developmental exposure to low level ambient ultrafine particle air pollution and cognitive dysfunction. Neurotoxicology 2018; 69:217-231. [PMID: 29247674 PMCID: PMC5999548 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Developmental exposures to ambient ultrafine particles (UFPs) can produce multiple neuropathological and neurochemical changes that might contribute to persistent alterations in cognitive-type functions. The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis that developmental UFP exposure produced impairments in learning, memory and impulsive-like behaviors and to determine whether these were selective and thus independent of deficits in other behavioral domains such as motor activity or motivation. Performance on measures of learning (repeated learning), memory (novel object recognition, NOR), impulsive-like behavior (differential reinforcement of low rate (DRL), schedule of reward and delay of reward (DOR)), motor activity (locomotor behavior) and motivation (progressive ratio schedule) were examined in adult mice that had been exposed to concentrated (10-20x) ambient ultrafine particles (CAPS) averaging approximately 45 ug/m3 particle mass concentrations from postnatal day (PND) 4-7 and 10-13 for 4 h/day. Given the number of behavioral tests, animals were tested in different groups. Results showed male-specific alterations in learning and memory functions (repeated learning, NOR and DRL) specifically during transitions in reinforcement contingencies (changes in rules governing behavior) that did not appear to be related to alterations in locomotor function or motivation. Females did not exhibit cognitive-like deficits at these exposure concentrations, but displayed behaviors consistent with altered motivation, including increases in response rates during repeated learning, significantly increased latencies to respond on the delay of reward paradigm, and reductions in the progressive ratio break point. Consistent with our prior findings, male-specific learning and memory-related deficits were seen and occurred even at relatively low level developmental UFP exposures, while females show alterations in motivational behaviors but not final performance. These findings add to the evidence suggesting the need to regulate UFP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Cory-Slechta
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
| | - J L Allen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - K Conrad
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - E Marvin
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - M Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
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12
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Sarica A, Vasta R, Novellino F, Vaccaro MG, Cerasa A, Quattrone A. MRI Asymmetry Index of Hippocampal Subfields Increases Through the Continuum From the Mild Cognitive Impairment to the Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:576. [PMID: 30186103 PMCID: PMC6111896 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: It is well-known that the hippocampus presents significant asymmetry in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that difference in volumes between left and right exists and varies with disease progression. However, few works investigated whether the asymmetry degree of subfields of hippocampus changes through the continuum from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to AD. Thus, aim of the present work was to evaluate the Asymmetry Index (AI) of hippocampal substructures as possible MRI biomarkers of Dementia. Moreover, we aimed to assess whether the subfields presented peculiar differences between left and right hemispheres. We also investigated the relationship between the asymmetry magnitude in hippocampal subfields and the decline of verbal memory as assessed by Rey's auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT). Methods: Four-hundred subjects were selected from ADNI, equally divided into healthy controls (HC), AD, stable MCI (sMCI), and progressive MCI (pMCI). The structural baseline T1s were processed with FreeSurfer 6.0 and volumes of whole hippocampus (WH) and 12 subfields were extracted. The AI was calculated as: (|Left-Right|/(Left+Right))*100. ANCOVA was used for evaluating AI differences between diagnoses, while paired t-test was applied for assessing changes between left and right volumes, separately for each group. Partial correlation was performed for exploring relationship between RAVLT summary scores (Immediate, Learning, Forgetting, Percent Forgetting) and hippocampal substructures AI. The statistical threshold was Bonferroni corrected p < 0.05/13 = 0.0038. Results: We found a general trend of increased degree of asymmetry with increasing severity of diagnosis. Indeed, AD presented the higher magnitude of asymmetry compared with HC, sMCI and pMCI, in the WH (AI mean 5.13 ± 4.29 SD) and in each of its twelve subfields. Moreover, we found in AD a significant negative correlation (r = -0.33, p = 0.00065) between the AI of parasubiculum (mean 12.70 ± 9.59 SD) and the RAVLT Learning score (mean 1.70 ± 1.62 SD). Conclusions: Our findings showed that hippocampal subfields AI varies differently among the four groups HC, sMCI, pMCI, and AD. Moreover, we found-for the first time-that hippocampal substructures had different sub-patterns of lateralization compared with the whole hippocampus. Importantly, the severity in learning rate was correlated with pathological high degree of asymmetry in parasubiculum of AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Sarica
- Neuroscience Centre, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Vasta
- Neuroscience Centre, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabiana Novellino
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Cerasa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation, Crotone, Italy
| | - Aldo Quattrone
- Neuroscience Centre, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
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13
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Yu J, Lam CLM, Lee TMC. White matter microstructural abnormalities in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis of whole-brain and ROI-based studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:405-416. [PMID: 29092777 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Studies that examined white matter (WM) alterations in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) abound. This timely meta-analysis aims to synthesize the results of these studies. Seventy-seven studies (totalNaMCI=1844) were included. Fourteen region-of-interest-based (ROI-based) (k≥8;NaMCI≥284 per ROI) and two activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analyses (fractional anisotropy [FA]: k=15;NaMCI=463; mean diffusivity [MD]: k=8;NaMCI=193) were carried out. Among the many significant ROI-related findings, reliable FA and MD alterations in the fornix, uncinate fasciculus, and parahippocampal cingulum were observed in aMCI. Larger effects were observed in MD relative to FA. The ALE meta-analysis revealed a significant FA decrease among aMCI subjects in the posterior corona radiata. These results provide robust evidence of the presence of WM abnormalities in aMCI. Our findings also highlight the importance of carrying out both ROI-based and whole-brain-based research to obtain a complete picture of WM microstructural alterations associated with the condition..
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Charlene L M Lam
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tatia M C Lee
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Institute of Clinical Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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14
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Yang C, Zhong S, Zhou X, Wei L, Wang L, Nie S. The Abnormality of Topological Asymmetry between Hemispheric Brain White Matter Networks in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:261. [PMID: 28824422 PMCID: PMC5545578 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of morphology-based studies have previously reported a variety of regional abnormalities in hemispheric asymmetry in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, neuroimaging studies have revealed changes in the topological organization of the structural network in AD. However, little is known about the alterations in topological asymmetries. In the present study, we used diffusion tensor image tractography to construct the hemispheric brain white matter networks of 25 AD patients, 95 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and 48 normal control (NC) subjects. Graph theoretical approaches were then employed to estimate hemispheric topological properties. Rightward asymmetry in both global and local network efficiencies were observed between the two hemispheres only in AD patients. The brain regions/nodes exhibiting increased rightward asymmetry in both AD and MCI patients were primarily located in the parahippocampal gyrus and cuneus. The observed rightward asymmetry was attributed to changes in the topological properties of the left hemisphere in AD patients. Finally, we found that the abnormal hemispheric asymmetries of brain network properties were significantly correlated with memory performance (Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test). Our findings provide new insights into the lateralized nature of hemispheric disconnectivity and highlight the potential for using hemispheric asymmetry of brain network measures as biomarkers for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yang
- Institute of Medical Imaging Engineering, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyShanghai, China
| | - Suyu Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhou
- Institute of Medical Imaging Engineering, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyShanghai, China
| | - Long Wei
- Institute of Medical Imaging Engineering, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyShanghai, China.,Laiwu Vocational and Technical CollegeShandong, China
| | - Lijia Wang
- Institute of Medical Imaging Engineering, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyShanghai, China
| | - Shengdong Nie
- Institute of Medical Imaging Engineering, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyShanghai, China
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15
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Seitz J, Lyall AE, Kanayama G, Makris N, Hudson JI, Kubicki M, Pope HG, Kaufman MJ. White matter abnormalities in long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid users: A pilot study. Psychiatry Res 2017; 260:1-5. [PMID: 27988413 PMCID: PMC5272808 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies of long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users reported amygdala structural and functional connectivity abnormalities. We assessed white matter microstructure in the inferior-fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), a major associative bundle of the amygdala network. Diffusion weighted images acquired from 9 male long-term AAS users and 8 matched controls aged 36-51 years old were processed using a standardized pipeline (Tract-Based Spatial Statistics). Group differences were examined using linear regression with adjustment for age and current testosterone level. Compared to nonusers, AAS users exhibited significantly higher fractional anisotropy (FA) in the IFOF. Users showed markedly greater FA than nonusers on the left IFOF but only a modest, nonsignificant difference on the right IFOF. Moreover, FA was positively associated with lifetime cumulative AAS dose. Our results suggest that long-term AAS use alters IFOF white matter organization and integrity, which in turn might affect amygdala-related processes such as reward system function. Accordingly, further studies are needed to replicate findings in larger subject groups to determine the functional significance of the FA abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Seitz
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda E Lyall
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gen Kanayama
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA, and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nikos Makris
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James I Hudson
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA, and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marek Kubicki
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harrison G Pope
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA, and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc J Kaufman
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill St., Belmont 02478, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Moonen JEF, Foster-Dingley JC, van den Berg-Huijsmans AA, de Ruijter W, de Craen AJM, van der Grond J, van der Mast RC. Influence of Small Vessel Disease and Microstructural Integrity on Neurocognitive Functioning in Older Individuals: The DANTE Study Leiden. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:25-30. [PMID: 27659190 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Small vessel disease is a major cause of neurocognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Small vessel disease may manifest as white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, and atrophy, all of which are visible on conventional MR imaging or as microstructural changes determined by diffusion tensor imaging. This study investigated whether microstructural integrity is associated with neurocognitive dysfunction in older individuals, irrespective of the conventional features of small vessel disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 195 participants (75 years of age or older) who underwent conventional 3T MR imaging with DTI to assess fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. Cognitive tests were administered to assess cognitive domains, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and Apathy Scale of Starkstein were used to assess symptoms of depression and apathy, respectively. The association between DTI measures and neurocognitive function was analyzed by using linear regression models. RESULTS In gray matter, a lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were associated with worse executive function, psychomotor speed, and overall cognition and, in white matter, also with memory. Findings were independent of white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarcts, and cerebral microbleeds. However, after additional adjustment for normalized brain volume, only lower fractional anisotropy in white and gray matter and higher gray matter radial diffusivity remained associated with executive functioning. DTI measures were not associated with scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 or the Apathy Scale of Starkstein. CONCLUSIONS Microstructural integrity was associated with cognitive but not psychological dysfunction. Associations were independent of the conventional features of small vessel disease but attenuated after adjusting for brain volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E F Moonen
- From the Departments of Psychiatry (J.E.F.M., J.C.F.-D., R.C.v.d.M.)
| | | | | | | | - A J M de Craen
- Gerontology and Geriatrics (A.J.M.d.C.), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - R C van der Mast
- From the Departments of Psychiatry (J.E.F.M., J.C.F.-D., R.C.v.d.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry (R.C.v.d.M.), Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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