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Increased functional connectivity between language and visually deprived areas in late and partial blindness
Norman Sabbah1, Colas N Authié1, Nicolae Sanda1
1Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France; INSERM, U968, Institut de la Vision, Paris F-75012, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris F-75012, France; Centre d'investigation clinique, Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris F-75012, France.
Neuroimage
|May 5, 2016
Summary
Later vision loss can rewire the adult brain, increasing functional connectivity (FC) between language and visual areas. This brain plasticity occurs in both complete and partial blindness due to conditions like retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- In congenitally blind individuals, language processing utilizes visual brain areas.
- The impact of late-onset vision loss on language and visual area interactions in sighted individuals remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate resting-state functional connectivity (FC) between retinotopic and language areas in late visually deprived subjects.
- To compare FC in individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and those with RP and preserved central vision ('tunnel vision') against sighted controls.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) analysis was employed.
- Comparison of FC patterns in three groups: blind individuals with RP, RP subjects with tunnel vision, and sighted controls.
Main Results:
- Increased FC was observed between Broca's area and visually deprived V1 regions (peripheral for tunnel vision, peripheral and central for blind individuals).
- Functional connectivity changes were more extensive in completely blind individuals compared to those with tunnel vision.
- Connectivity strength increased and shifted from negative to positive FC as visual deprivation progressed.
Conclusions:
- Functional connectivity can develop in the adult brain between visual and language systems following complete or partial vision loss.
- These adaptive changes in functional connectivity are associated with the progression of visual deprivation.
- The adult brain exhibits plasticity, allowing for altered functional connectivity between distinct neural systems in response to sensory loss.
Keywords:
Adult brain plasticityBrain connectivityCerebral reorganizationCritical periodsLanguageResting-state fMRIRetinitis pigmentosaVisionMore Related Videos
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