Patterns in default-mode network connectivity for determining outcomes in cognitive function in acute stroke patients

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) affects a significant number of stroke survivors.
• The default mode network (DMN) plays a crucial role in cognitive functions.
• Understanding DMN alterations in PSCI is vital for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare resting-state functional connectivity (FC) within the DMN between stroke patients with and without PSCI.
• To investigate the relationship between DMN connectivity and cognitive performance in stroke patients.
• To identify potential neuroimaging biomarkers for PSCI.

Main Methods:

• Utilized independent component analysis to isolate the DMN in 18 stroke patients and 20 healthy controls.
• Assessed cognitive function using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at 10 days and 3 months post-stroke.
• Employed one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analyses to examine group differences and relationships between DMN FC and cognitive scores.

Main Results:

• Both Non-PSCI and PSCI patients exhibited decreased FC in the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PCu) compared to controls.
• PSCI patients showed less increased FC in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and left hippocampus than Non-PSCI patients.
• FC in PCC/PCu correlated with MoCA scores at 10 days; left hippocampus FC predicted MoCA scores at 3 months.

Conclusions:

• Resting-state DMN connectivity patterns differ between stroke patients with and without PSCI.
• DMN FC alterations may underlie the mechanisms of PSCI.
• DMN connectivity shows potential as a neuroimaging biomarker for PSCI and future interventional studies.