Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

2.6K

The influence of cerebral small vessel disease on default mode network deactivation in mild cognitive impairment

Janne M Papma1, Tom den Heijer, Inge de Koning

  • 1Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands ; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Neuroimage. Clinical
|November 2, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) impacts brain network function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by disrupting default mode network deactivation, suggesting different pathologies contribute to cognitive decline via distinct pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is implicated in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) related cognitive dysfunction.
  • The specific impact of CSVD on brain functioning in MCI remains unclear.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for diagnosing and treating MCI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of CSVD on brain activation and deactivation patterns in MCI patients.
  • To compare brain functioning in MCI patients with and without CSVD.
  • To elucidate the role of CSVD in cognitive impairment within the MCI population.

Main Methods:

  • Functional MRI (fMRI) was used to assess brain activity during a working memory task.
  • Participants included 16 MCI patients with CSVD, 26 MCI patients without CSVD, and 25 healthy controls.
  • Comprehensive assessments included neurological exams, neuropsychological testing, and structural MRI.

Main Results:

  • MCI patients with and without CSVD exhibited similar cognitive performance and neuropsychological profiles.
  • MCI patients with CSVD showed impaired deactivation in the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (default mode network).
  • MCI patients without CSVD displayed load-dependent activation patterns in working memory regions.

Conclusions:

  • CSVD may affect cognition in MCI through interference with brain networks.
  • Distinct pathologies, like CSVD, can lead to cognitive impairment in MCI via different neural pathways.
  • Observed differences in brain activity highlight the heterogeneous nature of MCI pathophysiology.
Keywords:
Cerebral small vessel diseaseDefault mode networkFunctional MRIMild cognitive impairmentWorking memory

More Related Videos

Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy12:09

Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Published on: August 5, 2014

17.3K
Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity10:43

Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity

Published on: July 1, 2014

14.1K

Related Concept Videos

Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
35
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
38
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and...
44