1
|
Vernet M, Ducrot S, Chaix Y. A Systematic Review on Visual-Processing Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: What Possible Impact on Learning to Read? Dev Neuropsychol 2024; 49:111-137. [PMID: 38469855 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2024.2326151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to examine the possible implication of visual-perceptual, visuo-attentional and oculomotor processing in the reading deficits frequently experienced by children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), as previously shown in dyslexia. Using PRISMA methodological guidelines, we examined 49 studies; most of these reported visual-processing deficits in this population, raising the importance of directly studying the visuo-perceptual and visuo-attentional processes and eye-movement control involved in the learning-to-read process in NF1. The discussion provides a reflection for a better understanding of how visual-processing skills interact with reading deficits in NF1, as well as new avenues for their screening and care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Vernet
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LPL, Aix-en-Provence, France
- Centre de jour enfants, Centre hospitalier de Digne-les-Bains, Digne-les-Bains, France
- TONIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Yves Chaix
- TONIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Neuropediatric Department, Toulouse-Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lalancette E, Charlebois-Poirier AR, Agbogba K, Knoth IS, Côté V, Perreault S, Lippé S. Time-frequency analyses of repetition suppression and change detection in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Brain Res 2023; 1818:148512. [PMID: 37499730 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk of developing cognitive problems, including attention deficits and learning difficulties. Alterations in brain response to repetition and change have been evidenced in other genetic conditions associated with cognitive dysfunctions. Whether the integrity of these fundamental neural responses is compromised in school-aged children with NF1 is still unknown. In this study, we examined the repetition suppression (RS) and change detection responses in children with NF1 (n = 36) and neurotypical controls (n = 41) aged from 4 to 13 years old, using a simple sequence of vowels. We performed time-frequency analyses to compare spectral power and phase synchronization between groups, in the theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. Correlational analyses were performed between the neural responses and the level of intellectual functioning, as well as with behavioral symptoms of comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders measured through parental questionnaires. Children with NF1 showed preserved RS, but increased spectral power in the change detection response. Correlational analyses performed with measures of change detection revealed a negative association between the alpha-band spectral power and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. These findings suggest atypical neural response to change in children with NF1. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the interaction with comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders and the possible role of altered inhibitory mechanisms in this enhanced neural response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eve Lalancette
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Audrey-Rose Charlebois-Poirier
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Kristian Agbogba
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Inga Sophia Knoth
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Valérie Côté
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Sébastien Perreault
- Department of Neurosciences, Division of Child Neurology, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Sarah Lippé
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Itthipuripat S, Phangwiwat T, Wiwatphonthana P, Sawetsuttipan P, Chang KY, Störmer VS, Woodman GF, Serences JT. Dissociable Neural Mechanisms Underlie the Effects of Attention on Visual Appearance and Response Bias. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6628-6652. [PMID: 37620156 PMCID: PMC10538590 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2192-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A prominent theoretical framework spanning philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience holds that selective attention penetrates early stages of perceptual processing to alter the subjective visual experience of behaviorally relevant stimuli. For example, searching for a red apple at the grocery store might make the relevant color appear brighter and more saturated compared with seeing the exact same red apple while searching for a yellow banana. In contrast, recent proposals argue that data supporting attention-related changes in appearance reflect decision- and motor-level response biases without concurrent changes in perceptual experience. Here, we tested these accounts by evaluating attentional modulations of EEG responses recorded from male and female human subjects while they compared the perceived contrast of attended and unattended visual stimuli rendered at different levels of physical contrast. We found that attention enhanced the amplitude of the P1 component, an early evoked potential measured over visual cortex. A linking model based on signal detection theory suggests that response gain modulations of the P1 component track attention-induced changes in perceived contrast as measured with behavior. In contrast, attentional cues induced changes in the baseline amplitude of posterior alpha band oscillations (∼9-12 Hz), an effect that best accounts for cue-induced response biases, particularly when no stimuli are presented or when competing stimuli are similar and decisional uncertainty is high. The observation of dissociable neural markers that are linked to changes in subjective appearance and response bias supports a more unified theoretical account and demonstrates an approach to isolate subjective aspects of selective information processing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Does attention alter visual appearance, or does it simply induce response bias? In the present study, we examined these competing accounts using EEG and linking models based on signal detection theory. We found that response gain modulations of the visually evoked P1 component best accounted for attention-induced changes in visual appearance. In contrast, cue-induced baseline shifts in alpha band activity better explained response biases. Together, these results suggest that attention concurrently impacts visual appearance and response bias, and that these processes can be experimentally isolated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sirawaj Itthipuripat
- Neuroscience Center for Research and Innovation, Learning Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
- Big Data Experience Center, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
| | - Tanagrit Phangwiwat
- Neuroscience Center for Research and Innovation, Learning Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
- Big Data Experience Center, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
- Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
| | - Praewpiraya Wiwatphonthana
- Neuroscience Center for Research and Innovation, Learning Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
- SECCLO Consortium, Department of Computer Science, Aalto University School of Science, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Prapasiri Sawetsuttipan
- Neuroscience Center for Research and Innovation, Learning Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
- Big Data Experience Center, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
- Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
| | - Kai-Yu Chang
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California–San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-1090
| | - Viola S. Störmer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Geoffrey F. Woodman
- Department of Psychology, Center for Integrative and Cognitive Neuroscience, and Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235
| | - John T. Serences
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, Department of Psychology, University of California–San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-1090
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Booth SJ, Garg S, Brown LJE, Green J, Pobric G, Taylor JR. Aberrant oscillatory activity in neurofibromatosis type 1: an EEG study of resting state and working memory. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:27. [PMID: 37608248 PMCID: PMC10463416 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with impaired cognitive function. Despite the well-explored functional roles of neural oscillations in neurotypical populations, only a limited number of studies have investigated oscillatory activity in the NF1 population. METHODS We compared oscillatory spectral power and theta phase coherence in a paediatric sample with NF1 (N = 16; mean age: 13.03 years; female: n = 7) to an age/sex-matched typically developing control group (N = 16; mean age: 13.34 years; female: n = 7) using electroencephalography measured during rest and during working memory task performance. RESULTS Relative to typically developing children, the NF1 group displayed higher resting state slow wave power and a lower peak alpha frequency. Moreover, higher theta power and frontoparietal theta phase coherence were observed in the NF1 group during working memory task performance, but these differences disappeared when controlling for baseline (resting state) activity. CONCLUSIONS Overall, results suggest that NF1 is characterised by aberrant resting state oscillatory activity that may contribute towards the cognitive impairments experienced in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03310996 (first posted: October 16, 2017).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Booth
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura J E Brown
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gorana Pobric
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jason R Taylor
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pride NA, Haebich KM, Walsh KS, Lami F, Rouel M, Maier A, Chisholm AK, Lorenzo J, Hearps SJC, North KN, Payne JM. Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3612. [PMID: 37509275 PMCID: PMC10377664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the evidence of elevated autistic behaviors and co-occurring neurodevelopmental difficulties in many children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), we have a limited understanding of the sensory processing challenges that may occur with the condition. This study examined the sensory profile of children and adolescents with NF1 and investigated the relationships between the sensory profiles and patient characteristics and neuropsychological functioning. The parent/caregivers of 152 children with NF1 and 96 typically developing children completed the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), along with standardized questionnaires assessing autistic behaviors, ADHD symptoms, internalizing symptoms, adaptive functioning, and social skills. Intellectual functioning was also assessed. The SP2 data indicated elevated sensory processing problems in children with NF1 compared to typically developing children. Over 40% of children with NF1 displayed differences in sensory registration (missing sensory input) and were unusually sensitive to and unusually avoidant of sensory stimuli. Sixty percent of children with NF1 displayed difficulties in one or more sensory modalities. Elevated autistic behaviors and ADHD symptoms were associated with more severe sensory processing difficulties. This first detailed assessment of sensory processing, alongside other clinical features, in a relatively large cohort of children and adolescents with NF1 demonstrates the relationships between sensory processing differences and adaptive skills and behavior, as well as psychological well-being. Our characterization of the sensory profile within a genetic syndrome may help facilitate more targeted interventions to support overall functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Pride
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Kristina M Haebich
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Karin S Walsh
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Francesca Lami
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Melissa Rouel
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Alice Maier
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anita K Chisholm
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jennifer Lorenzo
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | | | - Kathryn N North
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Payne
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lalancette E, Charlebois-Poirier AR, Agbogba K, Knoth IS, Jones EJH, Mason L, Perreault S, Lippé S. Steady-state visual evoked potentials in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: associations with behavioral rating scales and impact of psychostimulant medication. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:42. [PMID: 35869419 PMCID: PMC9306184 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09452-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder often associated with cognitive dysfunctions, including a high occurrence of deficits in visuoperceptual skills. The neural underpinnings of these visuoperceptual deficits are not fully understood. We used steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) to investigate possible alterations in the synchronization of neural activity in the occipital cortex of children with NF1. Methods SSVEPs were measured using electroencephalography and compared between children with NF1 (n = 28) and neurotypical controls (n = 28) aged between 4 and 13 years old. SSVEPs were recorded during visual stimulation with coloured icons flickering at three different frequencies (6 Hz, 10 Hz, and 15 Hz) and analyzed in terms of signal-to-noise ratios. A mixed design ANCOVA was performed to compare SSVEP responses between groups at the three stimulation frequencies. Pearson’s correlations with levels of intellectual functioning as well as with symptoms of ADHD, ASD and emotional/behavioral problems were performed. The impact of psychostimulant medication on the SSVEP responses was analyzed in a subset of the NF1 group (n = 8) with paired t-tests. Results We observed reduced signal-to-noise ratios of the SSVEP responses in children with NF1. The SSVEP responses were negatively correlated with symptoms of inattention and with symptoms of emotional/behavioral problems in the NF1 group. The SSVEP response generated by the lowest stimulation frequency (i.e., 6 Hz) was rescued with the intake of psychostimulant medication. Conclusions Impaired processing of rhythmic visual stimulation was evidenced in children with NF1 through measures of SSVEP responses. Those responses seem to be more reduced in children with NF1 who exhibit more symptoms of inattention and emotional/behavioral problems in their daily life. SSVEPs are potentially sensitive electrophysiological markers that could be included in future studies investigating the impact of medication on brain activity and cognitive functioning in children with NF1. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-022-09452-y.
Collapse
|
7
|
Garg S, Williams S, Jung J, Pobric G, Nandi T, Lim B, Vassallo G, Green J, Evans DG, Stagg CJ, Parkes LM, Stivaros S. Non-invasive brain stimulation modulates GABAergic activity in neurofibromatosis 1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18297. [PMID: 36316421 PMCID: PMC9622815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21907-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a single-gene disorder associated with cognitive phenotypes common to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. GABAergic dysregulation underlies working memory impairments seen in NF1. This mechanistic experimental study investigates whether application of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) can modulate GABA and working memory in NF1. Thirty-one NF1 adolescents 11-18 years, were recruited to this single-blind sham-controlled cross-over randomized trial. AtDCS or sham stimulation was applied to the left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) and MR Spectroscopy was collected before and after intervention in the left DLPFC and occipital cortex. Task-related functional MRI was collected before, during, and after stimulation. Higher baseline GABA+ in the left DLPFC was associated with faster response times on baseline working memory measures. AtDCS was seen to significantly reduced GABA+ and increase brain activation in the left DLPFC as compared to sham stimulation. Task performance was worse in the aTDCS group during stimulation but no group differences in behavioural outcomes were observed at the end of stimulation. Although our study suggests aTDCS modulates inhibitory activity in the DLPFC, further work is needed to determine whether repeated sessions of atDCS and strategies such as alternating current stimulation offer a better therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Steve Williams
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - JeYoung Jung
- School of Psychology, Precision Imaging Beacon, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gorana Pobric
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tulika Nandi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben Lim
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Grace Vassallo
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura M Parkes
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stavros Stivaros
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Academic Unit of Paediatric Radiology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Plasticity of visual evoked potentials in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 142:220-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
9
|
Electrophysiological and Behavioral Evidence for Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Rare Genetic Syndromes Associated with Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040671. [PMID: 35456477 PMCID: PMC9027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study reviewed abnormalities in spontaneous, as well as event-related, brain activity in syndromes with a known genetic underpinning that are associated with autistic symptomatology. Based on behavioral and neurophysiological evidence, we tentatively subdivided the syndromes on primarily hyper-sensitive (Fragile X, Angelman) and hypo-sensitive (Phelan–McDermid, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis 1), pointing to the way of segregation of heterogeneous idiopathic ASD, that includes both hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive individuals. This segmentation links abnormalities in different genes, such as FMR1, UBE3A, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, SHANK3, MECP2, TSC1, TSC2, and NF1, that are causative to the above-mentioned syndromes and associated with synaptic transmission and cell growth, as well as with translational and transcriptional regulation and with sensory sensitivity. Excitation/inhibition imbalance related to GABAergic signaling, and the interplay of tonic and phasic inhibition in different brain regions might underlie this relationship. However, more research is needed. As most genetic syndromes are very rare, future investigations in this field will benefit from multi-site collaboration with a common protocol for electrophysiological and event-related potential (EEG/ERP) research that should include an investigation into all modalities and stages of sensory processing, as well as potential biomarkers of GABAergic signaling (such as 40-Hz ASSR).
Collapse
|
10
|
Castricum J, Tulen JHM, Taal W, Rietman AB, Elgersma Y. Attention and Motor Learning in Adult Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. J Atten Disord 2022; 26:563-572. [PMID: 33978520 PMCID: PMC8987013 DOI: 10.1177/10870547211012035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that is associated with cognitive disabilities, including attention and motor learning problems. These disabilities have been extensively studied in children with NF1 but limited studies have been performed in adults. METHOD Attention, motor learning and intellectual performance were studied with neuropsychological tasks in 32 adults with NF1 and 32 controls. RESULTS The NF1 and control group performed similarly on attention and motor learning tasks, although controls had shorter reaction times than adults with NF1 during the motor learning task (t[60] = -2.20, p = .03). Measures of attention or motor learning were not significantly associated with reduced intellectual performance in NF1. CONCLUSION In contrast to many studies in children with NF1, our findings did not provide evidence for presence of attention or motor learning problems in adults with NF1 in neuropsychological tasks. Our observations may be of clinical importance to determine treatment focus in adults with NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesminne Castricum
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joke H. M. Tulen
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Walter Taal
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - André B. Rietman
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands,Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands,Ype Elgersma, Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nebbioso M, Moramarco A, Lambiase A, Giustini S, Marenco M, Miraglia E, Fino P, Iacovino C, Alisi L. Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Ocular Electrophysiological and Perimetric Anomalies. Eye Brain 2020; 12:119-127. [PMID: 33117026 PMCID: PMC7585783 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s255184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a multisystemic disease caused by the mutation of Nf1 gene located on chromosome 17q11.2. The mutation determines the loss of function of the protein neurofibromin with consequent uncontrolled cellular proliferation. Patients are characterized by a wide range of dermatological, neurological, and ophthalmological symptoms. Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate, through pattern visual evoked potentials (p-VEPs) and frequency doubling technology (FDT) Matrix perimetry, the objective and psychophysical functionality of the optic pathways in a group of NF1 patient. Methods The study group consisted of 26 patients affected by NF1 and 17 healthy controls. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, p-VEPs with the evaluation of amplitude and latency of the P100 wave, and FDT perimetry, with the evaluation of central sensitivity (CS), mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD) and glaucoma hemifield test (GHT). Results NF1 patients showed a statistically significant alteration in the transmission of visual impulse. P-VEPs results highlighted a reduced amplitude and an increased latency of the P100 wave, suggesting an involvement of the visual pathway. Visual field analysis showed a significant reduction in all the observed parameters as well (CS, MD, PSD, and GHT). Conclusion The present study showed, in NF1 patients, a qualitative and quantitative alteration in the conduction of stimuli through the visual pathways. The observed alterations are present, although, only at a subclinical level. None of the patients included in the study showed any manifest visual deficit nor had any concomitant pathology that might have affected the outcome of the study. In conclusion, electrophysiological exams and computer perimetry may take part, alongside a wider array of exams, in the differential diagnosis and later monitoring of NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Nebbioso
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Giustini
- Department of Dermatology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marenco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Fino
- Department of Dermatology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Iacovino
- Department of Dermatology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Alisi
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Clinical Management of Children and Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Like Phenotypes and Complex Behavioural Manifestations: A Multidisciplinary and Dimensional Approach. Case Rep Psychiatry 2020; 2019:4764031. [PMID: 32089936 PMCID: PMC7011498 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4764031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Cognitive and behavioural problems associated with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are common sources of distress and the reasons behind seeking help. Here we describe patients with NF1 or NF1-like phenotypes referred to a Tier 3 Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department and highlight the benefits of a multidisciplinary assessment.
Collapse
|
13
|
Nemmi F, Cignetti F, Assaiante C, Maziero S, Audic F, Péran P, Chaix Y. Discriminating between neurofibromatosis-1 and typically developing children by means of multimodal MRI and multivariate analyses. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:3508-3521. [PMID: 31077476 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 leads to brain anomalies involving both gray and white matter. The extent and granularity of these anomalies, together with their possible impact on brain activity, is still unknown. In this multicentric cross-sectional study we submitted a sample of 42 typically developing and 38 neurofibromatosis-1 children to a multimodal MRI assessment including T1, diffusion weighted and resting state functional sequences. We used a pipeline involving several features selection steps coupled with multivariate statistical analysis (supporting vector machine) to discriminate between the two groups while having interpretable models. We used MRI indexes measuring macro (gray matter volume) and microstructural (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity) characteristics of the brain, as well as indexes of brain activity (fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations) and connectivity (local and global correlation) at rest. We found that structural indexes could discriminate between the two groups, with the mean diffusivity leading to performance as high as the combination of all structural indexes combined (accuracy = 0.86), while functional indexes had worse performances. The MRI signature of NF1 brain pathology is a combination of gray and white matter abnormalities, as measured with gray matter volume, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Nemmi
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabien Cignetti
- CNRS, LNC, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,CNRS, Fédération 3C, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,CNRS, TIMC-IMAG, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Christine Assaiante
- CNRS, LNC, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,CNRS, Fédération 3C, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Stephanie Maziero
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France.,URI Octogone-Lordat (EA 4156), Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Fredrique Audic
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, CHU Timone-Enfants, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Péran
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Yves Chaix
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cohen R, Halevy A, Aharon S, Shuper A. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Evaluation with a Continuous Performance Test. J Clin Neurol 2018; 14:153-157. [PMID: 29629523 PMCID: PMC5897196 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2018.14.2.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The objective of this study was to determine if the MOXO visual- and vocal-distractors-based continuous performance test distinguishes patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) from those without NF1. Methods Thirty-five patients (16 males; mean age 9.91 years) attending a multidisciplinary NF1 clinic completed the MOXO test. The findings were compared to 532 healthy age-matched standardized control subjects (285 males) without ADHD. Results The overall performance in the MOXO text was significantly worse in the NF1 group than in controls (p<0.01), but no group-specific pattern was identified. Impulsivity and hyperactivity were significantly more prominent in males than females (p<0.01). Compared to controls, the NF1 group exhibited significantly more failures to respond to target stimuli in the presence of visual distractors. Conclusions MOXO scores are abnormal in patients with NF1, but the test cannot differentiate between NF1 with ADHD characteristics and ADHD. The test highlights sex differences in ADHD characteristics in NF1. Overreactivity to visual distractors may form part of the attention deficit in NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rony Cohen
- Neurofibromatosis Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Department of Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy Center, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ayelet Halevy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy Center, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Aharon
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy Center, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avinoam Shuper
- Neurofibromatosis Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Department of Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy Center, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yoncheva YN, Hardy KK, Lurie DJ, Somandepalli K, Yang L, Vezina G, Kadom N, Packer RJ, Milham MP, Castellanos FX, Acosta MT. Computerized cognitive training for children with neurofibromatosis type 1: A pilot resting-state fMRI study. Psychiatry Res 2017; 266:53-58. [PMID: 28605662 PMCID: PMC5582983 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this pilot study, we examined training effects of a computerized working memory program on resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). We contrasted pre- with post-training resting state fMRI and cognitive measures from 16 participants (nine males; 11.1 ± 2.3 years) with NF1 and documented working memory difficulties. Using non-parametric permutation test inference, we found significant regionally specific differences (family-wise error corrected) in two of four voxel-wise resting state measures: fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (indexing peak-to-trough intensity of spontaneous oscillations) and regional homogeneity (indexing local intrinsic synchrony). Some cognitive task improvement was observed as well. These preliminary findings suggest that regionally specific changes in resting state fMRI indices may be associated with treatment-related cognitive amelioration in NF1. Nevertheless, current results must be interpreted with caution pending independent controlled replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya N Yoncheva
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristina K Hardy
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, George Washington University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel J Lurie
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Lanbo Yang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gilbert Vezina
- Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nadja Kadom
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Egleston), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roger J Packer
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, George Washington University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael P Milham
- Child Mind Institute, New York, NY, USA; Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - F Xavier Castellanos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Maria T Acosta
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, George Washington University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Green T, Naylor PE, Davies W. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in phenotypically similar neurogenetic conditions: Turner syndrome and the RASopathies. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:25. [PMID: 28694877 PMCID: PMC5502326 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. There has been extensive clinical and basic research in the field of ADHD over the past 20 years, but the mechanisms underlying ADHD risk are multifactorial, complex and heterogeneous and, as yet, are poorly defined. In this review, we argue that one approach to address this challenge is to study well-defined disorders to provide insights into potential biological pathways that may be involved in idiopathic ADHD. Main body To address this premise, we selected two neurogenetic conditions that are associated with significantly increased ADHD risk: Turner syndrome and the RASopathies (of which Noonan syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1 are the best-defined with regard to ADHD-related phenotypes). These syndromes were chosen for two main reasons: first, because intellectual functioning is relatively preserved, and second, because they are strikingly phenotypically similar but are etiologically distinct. We review the cognitive, behavioural, neural and cellular phenotypes associated with these conditions and examine their relevance as a model for idiopathic ADHD. Conclusion We conclude by discussing current and future opportunities in the clinical and basic research of these conditions, which, in turn, may shed light upon the biological pathways underlying idiopathic ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Green
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Paige E Naylor
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - William Davies
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Torres Nupan MM, Velez Van Meerbeke A, López Cabra CA, Herrera Gomez PM. Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Front Pediatr 2017; 5:227. [PMID: 29164079 PMCID: PMC5670111 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2017.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The last systematic review of research on the behavior of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) was in 2012. Since then, several important findings have been published. Therefore, the study aim was to synthesize recent relevant work related to this issue. METHOD We conducted a systematic review of the literature. Relevant articles were identified using the electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus and a manual search of references lists. Thirty of 156 articles identified met the inclusion criteria. A quality evaluation of the articles was performed and the information was synthesized using a narrative approach. RESULTS Compared with controls, children and adolescents with NF1 present significant alterations in language, reading, visuospatial skills, motor function, executive function, attention, behavior, emotion, and social skills. The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is important and can affect cognition and executive function variables. A high prevalence of autistic traits and autistic spectrum disorder were reported. The benefits of using statins to treat cognitive deficits are unclear. However, children with NF1 and ADHD seem to benefit from methylphenidate treatment. The presence of hyperintensities in brain magnetic resonance imaging data seem to be related to poor cognitive performance. Analysis of these lesions could help to predict cognitive alterations in children with NF1. INTERPRETATION There has been important progress to evaluate cognitive characteristics of children with NF1 and to determine the physiological mechanisms of the concomitant disorders. However, discrepancies in relation to intelligence, learning disabilities, attention deficits, and treatment remain. Further investigations on this topic are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Milade Torres Nupan
- Neurosciences Research Group, Medicine and Health Sciences School, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Alberto Velez Van Meerbeke
- Neurosciences Research Group, Medicine and Health Sciences School, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - Paula Marcela Herrera Gomez
- Neurosciences Research Group, Medicine and Health Sciences School, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Silva G, Ribeiro MJ, Costa GN, Violante I, Ramos F, Saraiva J, Castelo-Branco M. Peripheral Attentional Targets under Covert Attention Lead to Paradoxically Enhanced Alpha Desynchronization in Neurofibromatosis Type 1. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148600. [PMID: 26881921 PMCID: PMC4755663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited capacity of the human brain to process the full extent of visual information reaching the visual cortex requires the recruitment of mechanisms of information selection through attention. Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disease often exhibiting attentional deficits and learning disabilities, and is considered to model similar impairments common in other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. In a previous study, we found that patients with NF1 are more prone to miss targets under overt attention conditions. This finding was interpreted as a result of increased occipito-parietal alpha oscillations. In the present study, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to study alpha power modulations and the performance of patients with NF1 in a covert attention task. Covert attention was required in order to perceive changes (target offset) of a peripherally presented stimulus. Interestingly, alpha oscillations were found to undergo greater desynchronization under this task in the NF1 group compared with control subjects. A similar pattern of desynchronization was found for beta frequencies while no changes in gamma oscillations could be identified. These results are consistent with the notion that different attentional states and task demands generate different patterns of abnormal modulation of alpha oscillatory processes in NF1. Under covert attention conditions and while target offset was reported with relatively high accuracy (over 90% correct responses), excessive desynchronization was found. These findings suggest an abnormal modulation of oscillatory activity and attentional processes in NF1. Given the known role of alpha in modulating attention, we suggest that alpha patterns can show both abnormal increases and decreases that are task and performance dependent, in a way that enhanced alpha desynchronization may reflect a compensatory mechanism to keep performance at normal levels. These results suggest that dysregulation of alpha oscillations may occur in NF1 both in terms of excessive or diminished activation patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Silva
- ICNAS – Brain Imaging Network of Portugal, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Ribeiro
- IBILI – Institute for Biomedical Imaging in Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriel N. Costa
- ICNAS – Brain Imaging Network of Portugal, Coimbra, Portugal
- IBILI – Institute for Biomedical Imaging in Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Violante
- The Computational, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory, The Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Ramos
- Medical Genetics Department, Pediatric Hospital of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Saraiva
- Medical Genetics Department, Pediatric Hospital of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- ICNAS – Brain Imaging Network of Portugal, Coimbra, Portugal
- IBILI – Institute for Biomedical Imaging in Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schwetye KE, Gutmann DH. Cognitive and behavioral problems in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: challenges and future directions. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 14:1139-52. [PMID: 25161109 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2014.953931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive and behavioral disorders affect nearly 80% of all children with the neurofibromatosis type 1 inherited cancer syndrome, and are among the most significant clinical manifestations for patients and their families. One of the barriers to successful therapeutic intervention is the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypic expression, ranging from visuospatial learning problems to social perceptual deficits (autism). Leveraging numerous small-animal models of neurofibromatosis type 1, several promising targets have been identified to treat the learning, attention, and autism spectrum phenotypes in this at-risk population. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of our current understanding of these disorders in NF1, and propose future research directions aimed at designing more effective therapeutic approaches and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Schwetye
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|