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Godefroy O, Weaver NA, Roussel M, Dorchies F, Kassir R, Biesbroek JM, Lee KJ, Kim BJ, Bae HJ, Lim JS, Lee M, Yu KH, Aben HP, de Kort PLM, Bordet R, Lopes R, Dondaine T, Biessels GJ, Aarabi A. Architecture and anatomy of executive processes: evidence from verbal fluency and Trail Making Test in 2009 stroke patients. J Neurol 2024; 271:6147-6159. [PMID: 39060618 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12541-8] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The few voxel-wise lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) studies aimed at identifying the anatomy of executive function are limited by the absence of a model and by small populations. Using Trail Making Test (TMT) and verbal fluency and a model of their architectures, our objective was to identify the key structures underlying two major executive processes, set-shifting and strategic word search. METHODS We applied a validated VLSM analysis to harmonized cognitive and imaging data from 2009 ischemic stroke patients as a part of the Meta VCI Map consortium. All contrast analyses used an adjusted threshold with 2000 Freedman-Lane permutations (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS The TMT parts A and B were associated with structures involved in visual-spatial processing, the motor system, the frontal lobes, and their subcortical connections. Set-shifting depended on the left dorsomedial frontal region. Both semantic and phonemic fluency tests depended on verbal output abilities and processing speed with similar slopes in different languages. The strategic search process depended on Broca's area, F2 and related tracts, temporal and deep regions. Lastly, the lesion map of set-shifting did not overlap with those of strategic word search processes. INTERPRETATION Our results identify the anatomical substrates of two main executive processes, revealing that they represent only a specific subpart of previously reported structures. Finally, our results indicate that executive functions depend on several specific, anatomically separable executive processes mainly operating in various parts of the frontal lobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Godefroy
- Department of Neurology, Amiens University Hospital, and Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France.
| | - Nick A Weaver
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martine Roussel
- Department of Neurology, Amiens University Hospital, and Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Flore Dorchies
- Department of Neurology, Amiens University Hospital, and Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Rania Kassir
- Department of Neurology, Amiens University Hospital, and Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - J Matthijs Biesbroek
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Diakonessenhuis Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Keon-Joo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Joon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Joon Bae
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Lim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minwoo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hayllm University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ho Yu
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hayllm University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hugo P Aben
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Paul L M de Kort
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Régis Bordet
- Department of Pharmacology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Renaud Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Thibaut Dondaine
- Department of Pharmacology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Geert Jan Biessels
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ardalan Aarabi
- Department of Neurology, Amiens University Hospital, and Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
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Takaoka T, Hashimoto K, Aoki S, Inoue E, Kawate N. Effects of the abacus-based mental calculation training application "SoroTouch" on cognitive functions: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299201. [PMID: 38470885 PMCID: PMC10931506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of a home-based computerized cognitive training program that utilizes a digital application for training abacus-based mental calculations, "SoroTouch," on the cognitive functions of healthy middle-aged and older people using a randomized controlled trial. The participants were 20 adults (aged 42-79 years) who were involved in community-based activities for dementia prevention held by a certain organization. The participants were assigned randomly to the intervention (SoroTouch) group or control group. The SoroTouch group received home-based cognitive training with SoroTouch, being asked to use the software every day for 6 months, while the control group did not receive any intervention. To investigate the effect of SoroTouch, CogEvo, a cognitive functions test battery utilizing a tablet device, was administered to all participants once per month during the 6-month intervention period. In addition, before and after the intervention, all participants were asked to take the CogEvo and the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J). The analyses showed that the SoroTouch group did not improve total scores of the CogEvo and MoCA-J, but large group differences were observed in the two tasks of the CogEvo as follows: 'Follow the order' (modified Trail Making Test) at 2 months after the beginning of the intervention (group differences; 39.4, 95% confidence interval; 7.6-71.2) and 'Route 99' at 6 months (group differences; 39.6, 95% confidence interval; 4.9-74.4). These results provide evidence that a home-based computerized cognitive training program SoroTouch has the potential to improve working memory, attention and planning in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Takaoka
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiji Hashimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Aoki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Inoue
- Showa University Research Administration Center, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kawate
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Tsiakiri A, Christidi F, Tsiptsios D, Vlotinou P, Kitmeridou S, Bebeletsi P, Kokkotis C, Serdari A, Tsamakis K, Aggelousis N, Vadikolias K. Processing Speed and Attentional Shift/Mental Flexibility in Patients with Stroke: A Comprehensive Review on the Trail Making Test in Stroke Studies. Neurol Int 2024; 16:210-225. [PMID: 38392955 PMCID: PMC10893544 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint16010014] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Trail Making Test (TMT) is one of the most commonly administered tests in clinical and research neuropsychological settings. The two parts of the test (part A (TMT-A) and part B (TMT-B)) enable the evaluation of visuoperceptual tracking and processing speed (TMT-A), as well as divided attention, set-shifting and cognitive flexibility (TMT-B). The main cognitive processes that are assessed using TMT, i.e., processing speed, divided attention, and cognitive flexibility, are often affected in patients with stroke. Considering the wide use of TMT in research and clinical settings since its introduction in neuropsychological practice, the purpose of our review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of TMT in stroke patients. We present the most representative studies assessing processing speed and attentional shift/mental flexibility in stroke settings using TMT and applying scoring methods relying on conventional TMT scores (e.g., time-to-complete part A and part B), as well as derived measures (e.g., TMT-(B-A) difference score, TMT-(B/A) ratio score, errors in part A and part B). We summarize the cognitive processes commonly associated with TMT performance in stroke patients (e.g., executive functions), lesion characteristics and neuroanatomical underpinning of TMT performance post-stroke, the association between TMT performance and patients' instrumental activities of daily living, motor difficulties, speech difficulties, and mood statue, as well as their driving ability. We also highlight how TMT can serve as an objective marker of post-stroke cognitive recovery following the implementation of interventions. Our comprehensive review underscores that the TMT stands as an invaluable asset in the stroke assessment toolkit, contributing nuanced insights into diverse cognitive, functional, and emotional dimensions. As research progresses, continued exploration of the TMT potential across these domains is encouraged, fostering a deeper comprehension of post-stroke dynamics and enhancing patient-centered care across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, research institutions, and community health settings. Its integration into both research and clinical practice reaffirms TMT status as an indispensable instrument in stroke-related evaluations, enabling holistic insights that extend beyond traditional neurological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tsiakiri
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Foteini Christidi
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Pinelopi Vlotinou
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Sofia Kitmeridou
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Paschalina Bebeletsi
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Christos Kokkotis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 691 00 Komotini, Greece; (C.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Aspasia Serdari
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Tsamakis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK;
| | - Nikolaos Aggelousis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 691 00 Komotini, Greece; (C.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Konstantinos Vadikolias
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
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Huang CC, Chen PH, Tsai CC, Chiang HF, Hsieh CC, Chen TL, Liao WH, Chen YL, Wang JJ. Diffusion and structural MRI as potential biomarkers in people with Parkinson's disease and cognitive impairment. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:126-135. [PMID: 37572194 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the neuroimage change in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with cognitive impairments, this study investigated the correlation between plasma biomarkers and morphological brain changes in patients with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment. The objective was to identify the potential target deposition regions of the plasma biomarkers and to search for the relevant early neuroimaging biomarkers on the basis of different cognitive domains. METHODS Structural brain MRI and diffusion weighted images were analyzed from 49 eligible PD participants (male/female: 27/22; mean age: 73.4 ± 8.5 years) from a retrospective analysis. Plasma levels of α-synuclein, amyloid beta peptide, and total tau were collected. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment of the general and specific cognitive domains was performed. Difference between PD patients with normal cognition and impairment was examined. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between image-derived index and plasma biomarkers or neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS Significant correlation was found between plasma Aβ-42 level and fractional anisotropy of the middle occipital, angular, and middle temporal gyri of the left brain, as well as plasma T-tau level and the surface area of the isthmus or the average thickness of the posterior part of right cingulate gyrus. Visuospatial and executive function is positively correlated with axial diffusivity in bilateral cingulate gyri. CONCLUSION In nondemented PD patients, the target regions for plasma deposition might be located in the cingulate, middle occipital, angular, and middle temporal gyri. Changes from multiple brain regions can be correlated to the performance of different cognitive domains. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease is primarily linked to biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease rather than those related to Parkinson's disease and resembles the frontal variant of Alzheimer's disease, which may guide management strategies for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. KEY POINTS • Fractional anisotropy, surface area, and thickness in the cingulate, middle occipital, angular, and middle temporal gyri can be significantly correlated with plasma Aβ-42 and T-tau level. • Axial diffusivity in the cingulate gyri was correlated with visuospatial and executive function. • The pattern of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease can be similar to the frontal variant than typical Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chao Huang
- Department of Radiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hao Chen
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chien Tsai
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Fan Chiang
- Department of Radiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chih Hsieh
- Department of Radiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Lin Chen
- Department of Radiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsin Liao
- Department of Radiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Jie Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan.
- Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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