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09:06
Whole-brain Segmentation and Change-point Analysis of Anatomical Brain MRI—Application in Premanifest Huntington's Disease
Published on: June 9, 2018
Brain imaging and cognitive dysfunctions in Huntington's disease
Alonso Montoya1, Bruce H Price, Matthew Menear
1Brain Imaging Group, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Que.
Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Neuroimaging reveals brain changes in Huntington's disease (HD), linking striatal and cortical atrophy to cognitive deficits. Functional studies show striatal dysfunction and hypometabolism correlate with impaired executive functions and memory in HD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunctions.
- Neuroimaging advances have significantly enhanced understanding of HD's cerebral underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of structural and functional neuroimaging in elucidating the cerebral basis of cognitive deficits in HD.
- To synthesize findings from neuroimaging studies on HD patients published between 1965 and 2004.
Main Methods:
- Computer-based literature search of PubMed and PsycINFO databases.
- Inclusion of studies reporting cognitive measures and neuroimaging techniques in HD patients.
- Analysis of structural (morphological changes) and functional (activity, metabolism) neuroimaging data.
Main Results:
- Structural neuroimaging shows significant striatal and cortical atrophy correlating with attention, working memory, and executive function deficits.
- Functional imaging reveals striatal hypoperfusion and hypometabolism linked to executive dysfunction.
- Cortical hypometabolism correlates with impairments in recognition memory, language, and perceptual tests.
- Dopamine biochemistry measures correlate with episodic memory, processing speed, and executive functioning.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive deficits in HD involve disrupted connectivity between basal ganglia and cortical areas.
- Neuroimaging is crucial for understanding HD pathophysiology, identifying disease phenotypes, and tracking disease progression.
- Future neuroimaging research promises improved patient care through early detection and biomarker development.
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