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Dynamic Inter-subject Functional Connectivity Reveals Moment-to-Moment Brain Network Configurations Driven by Continuous or Communication Paradigms
Published on: March 21, 2019
Altered functional connectivity in asymptomatic MAPT subjects: a comparison to bvFTD
J L Whitwell1, K A Josephs, R Avula
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Whitwell.jennifer@mayo.edu
Neurology
|August 19, 2011
Summary
Functional connectivity changes in the default mode network (DMN) appear early in individuals with microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) gene mutations, preceding dementia symptoms and brain atrophy. These DMN alterations are observed even before clinical onset.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a neurodegenerative disease.
- Mutations in the microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) gene are linked to FTD.
- Early detection of neurodegenerative changes is crucial for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate functional connectivity alterations in asymptomatic individuals with MAPT mutations.
- To compare these changes with those in patients diagnosed with bvFTD.
- To identify early neuroimaging biomarkers for MAPT-related dementia.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design.
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
- Functional connectivity was assessed in the default mode network (DMN) and salience network.
Main Results:
- Asymptomatic MAPT subjects and bvFTD patients exhibited altered DMN functional connectivity compared to controls.
- Reduced in-phase connectivity was noted in the lateral temporal lobes and medial prefrontal cortex in both groups.
- bvFTD patients, but not asymptomatic MAPT subjects, showed altered salience network connectivity and gray matter loss.
Conclusions:
- Functional connectivity changes in the DMN are early indicators in MAPT mutation carriers.
- These alterations precede observable brain atrophy and clinical symptoms.
- Functional connectivity changes may serve as an early biomarker for MAPT-related neurodegeneration.
