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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Structural and functional brain connectivity in presymptomatic familial frontotemporal dementia
Elise G P Dopper1, Serge A R B Rombouts, Lize C Jiskoot
1Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Neurology
|February 8, 2013
Summary
Structural and functional brain connectivity changes occur before frontotemporal dementia (FTD) symptoms emerge in mutation carriers. Diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state fMRI show potential as early FTD biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Radiology
Background:
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disease.
- Genetic mutations in microtubule-associated protein tau and progranulin are linked to FTD.
- Early detection of FTD is crucial for potential interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify pre-symptomatic cognitive and connectivity changes in FTD mutation carriers.
- To assess the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) as early biomarkers for FTD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 75 healthy individuals at 50% risk for FTD.
- Neuropsychological assessments, DNA screening, and MRI (DTI and resting-state fMRI) were performed.
- Analyses included voxel-based morphometry, tract-based spatial statistics, and functional connectivity assessments.
Main Results:
- No significant cognitive differences were observed between carriers and non-carriers.
- Reduced white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity) was found in carriers.
- Decreased functional connectivity in the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC) and between frontoinsula/aMCC was observed in carriers, worsening with age.
Conclusions:
- Structural and functional brain connectivity alterations precede FTD symptom onset.
- DTI and resting-state fMRI show promise as sensitive biomarkers for early FTD detection.
- These imaging techniques could be valuable for future FTD clinical trials.
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