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He C, Yuan T, Yuan L, Wang J, Lu X, Hu W, Qiang D, Cui Y, Ci C, Shang X. Selective attention function impairment in HIV-negative patients with early forms of neurosyphilis. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:408. [PMID: 39113099 PMCID: PMC11304781 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-02004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The attentional network test (ANT) is widely used to evaluate the performance of three attentional networks: alerting, orienting and executive attention networks. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of attention functions in HIV-negative patients with early forms of neurosyphilis (NS) and their correlation with abnormalities in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS Thirty patients with early forms of NS, 31 patients with syphilis but without NS (Non-NS) and 35 healthy controls were recruited from an HIV-negative cohort between September 2020 and November 2022. The participants were evaluated with the ANT and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Brain MRI was performed in NS and Non-NS patients. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in the MMSE scores among the three groups. However, patients with early forms of NS showed poorer performance in orienting and alerting functions than Non-NS group (F = 6.952, P = 0.011 and F = 8.794, P = 0.004, respectively); No significant difference was observed in executive function between the two groups (F = 0.001, P = 0.980). Multivariate analysis of variance using the Bonferroni post hoc test indicated that patients with NS exhibited less efficient orienting function (P = 0.023), and alerting function (P = 0.003) but not executive function (P = 0.99), compared to Non-NS patients. Additionally, a significant difference was found in orienting function between patients with NS and healthy controls (P < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. MRI scans revealed that the NS group had a higher prevalence of abnormalities in the frontal lobes and/or the temporoparietal junction compared to the Non-NS group (24/25 vs. 13/19, P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS The orienting and alerting functions but not executive function were significantly less efficient in early forms of NS group than in the Non-NS group (P < 0.01). This indicates deficits in selective attention in patients with early forms of NS. Brain MRI scans revealed abnormalities in the frontal and/or parietal lobes, as well as the temporoparietal junction, suggesting potential neuropathological correlates of these attentional deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caifeng He
- Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Yuan
- Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Lili Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohong Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Wenlong Hu
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University/The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Di Qiang
- Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Cui
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ci
- Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China.
| | - Xianjin Shang
- Department of Neurology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China.
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Caballero HS, McFall GP, Gee M, MacDonald S, Phillips NA, Fogarty J, Montero-Odasso M, Camicioli R, Dixon RA. Cognitive Speed in Neurodegenerative Disease: Comparing Mean Rate and Inconsistency Within and Across the Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Spectra in the COMPASS-ND Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 100:579-601. [PMID: 38875040 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240210] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) are characterized by early and gradual worsening perturbations in speeded cognitive responses. Objective Using simple and choice reaction time tasks, we compared two indicators of cognitive speed within and across the AD and LBD spectra: mean rate (average reaction time across trials) and inconsistency (within person variability). Methods The AD spectrum cohorts included subjective cognitive impairment (SCI, n = 28), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 121), and AD (n = 45) participants. The LBD spectrum included Parkinson's disease (PD, n = 32), mild cognitive impairment in PD (PD-MCI, n = 21), and LBD (n = 18) participants. A cognitively unimpaired (CU, n = 39) cohort served as common benchmark. We conducted multivariate analyses of variance and discrimination analyses. Results Within the AD spectrum, the AD cohort was slower and more inconsistent than the CU, SCI, and MCI cohorts. The MCI cohort was slower than the CU cohort. Within the LBD spectrum, the LBD cohort was slower and more inconsistent than the CU, PD, and PD-MCI cohorts. The PD-MCI cohort was slower than the CU and PD cohorts. In cross-spectra (corresponding cohort) comparisons, the LBD cohort was slower and more inconsistent than the AD cohort. The PD-MCI cohort was slower than the MCI cohort. Discrimination analyses clarified the group difference patterns. Conclusions For both speed tasks, mean rate and inconsistency demonstrated similar sensitivity to spectra-related comparisons. Both dementia cohorts were slower and more inconsistent than each of their respective non-dementia cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sebastian Caballero
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - G Peggy McFall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Myrlene Gee
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stuart MacDonald
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Richard Camicioli
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Roger A Dixon
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Li Y, Bian J, Li Y. Attentional Control in Subjective Cognitive Decline. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:551-561. [PMID: 37807777 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230037] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention is an essential cognitive ability that is necessary in other cognitive processes. Only few studies have focused on decline in specific functions of attention in older adults with cognitive decline. No research explores the difference in the proactive and reactive mode of control between the healthy control (HC) and older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). OBJECTIVE The current work investigated whether there was any decline in alerting, orienting, and executive control in SCD. Particularly, the present study further explored the impairment of the proactive and reactive control in SCD. METHODS We recruited 25 HC and 26 SCD. All participants first finished a set of neuropsychological assessments. They then completed an Attention Network Test for measuring the alerting, orienting, and executive control, the List-wide and the Item-specific Proportion Congruency Effect task for measuring the proactive and reactive mode of control, respectively. RESULTS No difference was found in alerting, orienting, and executive control measured by the ANT between SCD and HC. The results also indicated no difference in the reactive control between SCD and HC. However, older adults with SCD performed worse in the proactive control as compared to HC. CONCLUSION Older adults with SCD showed an impairment in the proactive control. The current findings help us better understand objective decline in cognitive domains other than memory and shed light on early assessment and prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yintong Li
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghua Bian
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yongna Li
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Yang J, Wang Z, Fu Y, Xu J, Zhang Y, Qin W, Zhang Q. Prediction value of the genetic risk of type 2 diabetes on the amnestic mild cognitive impairment conversion to Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:964463. [PMID: 36185474 PMCID: PMC9521369 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.964463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are both important risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to investigate whether a T2DM-specific polygenic risk score (PRSsT2DM) can predict the conversion of aMCI to AD and further explore the underlying neurological mechanism. All aMCI patients were from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database and were divided into conversion (aMCI-C, n = 164) and stable (aMCI-S, n = 222) groups. PRSsT2DM was calculated by PRSice-2 software to explore the predictive efficacy of the aMCI conversion to AD. We found that PRSsT2DM could independently predict the aMCI conversion to AD after removing the common variants of these two diseases. PRSsT2DM was significantly negatively correlated with gray matter volume (GMV) of the right superior frontal gyrus in the aMCI-C group. In all aMCI patients, PRSsT2DM was significantly negatively correlated with the cortical volume of the right superior occipital gyrus. The cortical volume of the right superior occipital gyrus could significantly mediate the association between PRSsT2DM and aMCI conversion. Gene-based analysis showed that T2DM-specific genes are highly expressed in cortical neurons and involved in ion and protein binding, neural development and generation, cell junction and projection, and PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathway, which might increase the aMCI conversion by affecting the Tau phosphorylation and amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation. Therefore, the PRSsT2DM could be used as a measure to predict the conversion of aMCI to AD.
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Xia K, Han Y, Zhou L, Hu S, Rao R, Shan S, Hua L. Attention impairment in patients with cervical dystonia: An attention network test study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:952567. [PMID: 35992456 PMCID: PMC9386253 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.952567] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate attentional network functional characteristics in patients with cervical dystonia (CD). Methods A total of 29 patients with CD and 26 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. All subjects participated in the study and underwent the Attention Network Test (ANT), which evaluated the efficiencies of three independent attention networks (alerting, orienting, and executive control), as well as reaction time (RT) and accuracy. Results Significant differences between CD patients (9.86 ± 27.95 ms) and HCs (33.62 ± 23.41 ms) were observed in the alerting network (t = −3.40, p < 0.05). In contrast, the orienting network (t = 0.26, p = 0.79), executive control network (Z = −0.55, p = 0.58), total mean reaction time (t = −2.6, p = 0.79), and total accuracy rate (Z = −1.67, p = 0.09) showed no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion Patients with CD showed a significant deficit in the alerting network. However, they did not show any deficits in the orienting or executive control network. In addition, the alerting, orienting, and executive control network functions of CD patients were all affected by the severity of torticollis, especially the alerting network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Xia
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yongsheng Han
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Department of Neurology, Anhui Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Yongsheng Han,
| | - Lanlan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Rao Rao
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Shu Shan
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Hua
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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The Attention Network Test in Parkinson and Lewy Body Disease: A Systematic Review. Cogn Behav Neurol 2022; 35:1-13. [PMID: 35239595 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Attention Network Test (ANT) is a well-established measure of efficiency for the alerting, orienting, and executive attentional networks. However, its novel application in Parkinson disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD) research more broadly has yet to be evaluated systematically. OBJECTIVE To compare and consolidate the outcomes of studies reporting use of the ANT in PD and LBD groups and to identify the methodological considerations for the conduct of such studies. METHOD We performed a systematic literature search for articles exploring attention in PD and LBD groups using the ANT. We excluded articles on the basis of irrelevant scope, non-English, and groups other than PD and LBD. Once the full text articles were identified, we extracted the data and assessed the studies' quality. RESULTS The final sample included 16 articles ranging from low to moderate quality. Behavioral findings suggested a general slowing of responses yet preserved accuracy from the PD group compared with controls. Overall, the evidence was inconclusive regarding the state of the alerting network in the PD and LBD groups, mostly supportive of an intact orienting network, and strongly suggestive of an impaired executive network. Differences in sample stratification, patient symptomatology, and dopaminergic medication levels were identified as influential factors in the attentional results across studies. CONCLUSION Although sparse, the existing evidence indicates that the ANT is a viable option for measuring attention in PD; it can also be harnessed to explore the impact of symptoms and medications on attentional networks in PD and LBD groups.
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Sarrias-Arrabal E, Izquierdo-Ayuso G, Vázquez-Marrufo M. Attentional networks in neurodegenerative diseases: anatomical and functional evidence from the Attention Network Test. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2022; 38:206-217. [PMID: 35256319 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2020.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding alterations to brain anatomy and cognitive function associated with neurodegenerative diseases remains a challenge for neuroscience today. In experimental neuroscience, several computerised tests have been developed to contribute to our understanding of neural networks involved in cognition. The Attention Network Test (ANT) enables us to measure the activity of 3 attentional networks (alertness, orienting, and executive function). OBJECTIVES The main aim of this review is to describe all the anatomical and functional alterations found in diverse neurological diseases using the ANT. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected studies published since 2010 in the PubMed database that employed the ANT in different neurological diseases. Thirty-two articles were obtained, addressing multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease, among other disorders. CONCLUSIONS Some of the anatomical structures proposed in the 3 attentional networks model were confirmed. The most relevant structures in the alertness network are the prefrontal cortex, parietal region, thalamus, and cerebellum. The thalamus is also relevant in the orienting network, together with posterior parietal regions. The executive network does not depend exclusively on the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, but also involves such subcortical structures as the basal ganglia and cerebellum and their projections towards the entire cortex.
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Sarrias-Arrabal E, Izquierdo-Ayuso G, Vázquez-Marrufo M. Attentional networks in neurodegenerative diseases: anatomical and functional evidence from the Attention Network Test. Neurologia 2020; 38:S0213-4853(20)30218-8. [PMID: 32962808 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding alterations to brain anatomy and cognitive function associated with neurodegenerative diseases remains a challenge for neuroscience today. In experimental neuroscience, several computerised tests have been developed to contribute to our understanding of neural networks involved in cognition. The Attention Network Test (ANT) enables us to measure the activity of 3 attentional networks (alertness, orienting, and executive function). OBJECTIVES The main aim of this review is to describe all the anatomical and functional alterations found in diverse neurological diseases using the ANT. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected studies published since 2010 in the PubMed database that employed the ANT in different neurological diseases. Thirty-two articles were obtained, addressing multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease, among other disorders. CONCLUSIONS Some of the anatomical structures proposed in the 3 attentional networks model were confirmed. The most relevant structures in the alertness network are the prefrontal cortex, parietal region, thalamus, and cerebellum. The thalamus is also relevant in the orienting network, together with posterior parietal regions. The executive network does not depend exclusively on the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, but also involves such subcortical structures as the basal ganglia and cerebellum and their projections towards the entire cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sarrias-Arrabal
- Departamento de Psicología Experimental, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España.
| | | | - M Vázquez-Marrufo
- Departamento de Psicología Experimental, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
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Kalanjati VP, Hendrata MW, Ardana FN. Cellular Composition in the Aging Cerebral Cortex of Humans. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-020-09838-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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10
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Botzung A, Philippi N, Noblet V, Loureiro de Sousa P, Blanc F. Pay attention to the basal ganglia: a volumetric study in early dementia with Lewy bodies. Alzheimers Res Ther 2019; 11:108. [PMID: 31864422 PMCID: PMC6925479 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cortical and subcortical cognitive impairments are usually found in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Roughly, they comprise visuo-constructive/executive function and attention/processing speed impairments, whereas memory would remain relatively spared. In this study, we focused on the neuro-anatomical substrates of attention and processing speed, which is still poorly understood. For the purpose of the study, we examined the correlations between behavioral scores measuring the speed of processing and the degree of cerebral atrophy in patients with prodromal to moderate DLB. METHODS Ninety-three prodromal to moderate DLB patients (mean MMSE = 25.5) were selected to participate in the study as well as 28 healthy elderly subjects (mean MMSE = 28.9), matched in terms of age and educational level. The Trail Making Test A (TMTA) and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) were used to assess attention and processing speed. Behavioral performances were compared between patients and healthy control subjects. Three-dimensional MRI images were acquired for all participants, and correlational analyses were performed in the patient group using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). RESULTS The behavioral results on both the TMTA (p = .026) and the DSST (p < .001) showed significantly impaired performances in patients in comparison with control subjects. In addition, correlational analyses using VBM revealed for the TMTA negative correlations in the caudate nucleus (left cluster peak significant at .05 FWE corrected), the putamen, the left thalamus, and the subthalamic nuclei (p < .05 FDR corrected). Some positive correlations associated with the DSST were found in the right inferior frontal gyrus, the left thalamus, and the left cerebellum (p < .001 uncorrected). CONCLUSIONS The behavioral results are in line with the literature on the DLB cognitive profile and confirm the existence of attention and processing speed impairment. Interestingly, VBM analysis revealed the involvement of the basal ganglia, in particular, the left caudate nucleus, which is part of the attention cerebral network, suggesting an important role of this structure for attentional processing speed. This also suggests the clinical implication of damage in this region relatively early in the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Botzung
- Geriatrics and Neurology Departments, Research and Resources Memory Center (CM2R), Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Nathalie Philippi
- Geriatrics and Neurology Departments, Research and Resources Memory Center (CM2R), Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- ICube laboratory (CNRS, UMR 7357) and FMTS (Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Noblet
- ICube laboratory (CNRS, UMR 7357) and FMTS (Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Paulo Loureiro de Sousa
- ICube laboratory (CNRS, UMR 7357) and FMTS (Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frédéric Blanc
- Geriatrics and Neurology Departments, Research and Resources Memory Center (CM2R), Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- ICube laboratory (CNRS, UMR 7357) and FMTS (Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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11
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Mehraram R, Kaiser M, Cromarty R, Graziadio S, O'Brien JT, Killen A, Taylor JP, Peraza LR. Weighted network measures reveal differences between dementia types: An EEG study. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 41:1573-1590. [PMID: 31816147 PMCID: PMC7267959 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) versus Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be difficult especially early in the disease process. However, one inexpensive and non‐invasive biomarker which could help is electroencephalography (EEG). Previous studies have shown that the brain network architecture assessed by EEG is altered in AD patients compared with age‐matched healthy control people (HC). However, similar studies in Lewy body diseases, that is, DLB and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) are still lacking. In this work, we (a) compared brain network connectivity patterns across conditions, AD, DLB and PDD, in order to infer EEG network biomarkers that differentiate between these conditions, and (b) tested whether opting for weighted matrices led to more reliable results by better preserving the topology of the network. Our results indicate that dementia groups present with reduced connectivity in the EEG α band, whereas DLB shows weaker posterior–anterior patterns within the β‐band and greater network segregation within the θ‐band compared with AD. Weighted network measures were more consistent across global thresholding levels, and the network properties reflected reduction in connectivity strength in the dementia groups. In conclusion, β‐ and θ‐band network measures may be suitable as biomarkers for discriminating DLB from AD, whereas the α‐band network is similarly affected in DLB and PDD compared with HC. These variations may reflect the impairment of attentional networks in Parkinsonian diseases such as DLB and PDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramtin Mehraram
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) research group, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marcus Kaiser
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) research group, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruth Cromarty
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sara Graziadio
- NIHR Newcastle in vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge School of Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alison Killen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John-Paul Taylor
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Luis R Peraza
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,IXICO Plc, London, UK
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12
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Schumacher J, Cromarty R, Gallagher P, Firbank MJ, Thomas AJ, Kaiser M, Blamire AM, O'Brien JT, Peraza LR, Taylor JP. Structural correlates of attention dysfunction in Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease: an ex-Gaussian analysis. J Neurol 2019; 266:1716-1726. [PMID: 31006825 PMCID: PMC6586700 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09323-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are common forms of degenerative dementia. While they are characterized by different clinical profiles, attentional deficits are a common feature. The objective of this study was to investigate how attentional problems in LBD and AD differentially affect different aspects of reaction time performance and to identify possible structural neural correlates. METHODS We studied reaction time data from an attention task comparing 39 LBD patients, 28 AD patients, and 22 age-matched healthy controls. Data were fitted to an ex-Gaussian model to characterize different facets of the reaction time distribution (mean reaction time, reaction time variability, and the subset of extremely slow responses). Correlations between ex-Gaussian parameters and grey and white matter volume were assessed by voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS Both dementia groups showed an increase in extremely slow responses. While there was no difference between AD and controls with respect to mean reaction time and variability, both were significantly increased in LBD patients compared to controls and AD. There were widespread correlations between mean reaction time and variability and grey matter loss in AD, but not in LBD. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that different aspects of reaction time performance are differentially affected by AD and LBD, with a difference in structural neural correlates underlying the observed behavioural deficits. While impaired attentional performance is linked to brain atrophy in AD, in LBD it might be related to functional or microstructural rather than macrostructural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schumacher
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building 3rd Floor, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK.
| | - Ruth Cromarty
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building 3rd Floor, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Peter Gallagher
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, The Henry Wellcome Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Michael J Firbank
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building 3rd Floor, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Alan J Thomas
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building 3rd Floor, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Marcus Kaiser
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, The Henry Wellcome Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) Research Group, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TG, UK
| | - Andrew M Blamire
- Institute of Cellular Medicine and Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge School of Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Luis R Peraza
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building 3rd Floor, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, The Henry Wellcome Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - John-Paul Taylor
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building 3rd Floor, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
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