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[Change of white matter neuronal integrity associated with spatial navigation impairment in mild cognitive
1Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
Abstract:
Objective: To analyze the correlation between white matter integrity and spatial navigation impairment in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A total of 27 MCI subjects and 24 healthy controls were enrolled from the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from May 2015 to February 2016, who underwent 3.0 T MRI scan and 2D-computer version spatial navigation test.DTI preprocessing and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were performed by PANDA.Two sample t-test and partial correlation coefficients were performed to investigate the correlation of white matter impairments and spatial navigation decline. Results: Relative to controls, MCI showed worse egocentric navigation (t=-2.202, P<0.05). Decreased FA in superior longitudinal fasciculus (left t=2.95, right t=2.95, P<0.05), inferior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (left t=2.66, right t=2.96, P<0.05), corpus callosum (t=2.09, P<0.05), cingulum (left t=2.76, right t=2.41, P<0.05), fornix (t=4.83, P<0.05), and corticospinal tract (left t=2.33, right t=2.26, P<0.05), were found in the MCI subjects.The decreased FA value of superior longitudinal fasciculus (left r=-0.354, right r=-0.347, P<0.05), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (left r=-0.338, right r=-0.336, P<0.05), cingulum (left r=-0.395, right r=-0.370, P<0.05), right corticospinal tract (r=-0.362, P<0.05) and fornix (r=-0.369, P<0.05) were correlated with increased ego average total error.Allo average total error were negative correlated with FA value of superior longitudinal fasciculus (left r=-0.329, right r=-0.350, P<0.05), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (left r=-0.349, right r=-0.378, P<0.05), splenium of corpus callosum (r=-0.364, P<0.05) and cingulum (left r=-0.340, right r=-0.406, P<0.05). Conclusion: This study implicated the potential white matter structural basis of spatial navigation impairment and will have an impact on the further study of the neurobiological mechanisms of human spatial navigation ability.
Insights
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is linked to poorer spatial navigation and white matter integrity decline in key brain tracts. This research highlights the structural basis of navigation deficits in MCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.
- Spatial navigation deficits are increasingly recognized as an early symptom of cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between white matter integrity and spatial navigation abilities in individuals with MCI.
- To identify specific white matter tracts associated with navigation impairments in MCI.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3.0 T MRI scans and a 2D-computer version spatial navigation test on 27 MCI patients and 24 healthy controls.
- Employed Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) preprocessing and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) via PANDA software.
- Performed t-tests and partial correlation analyses to assess white matter integrity and navigation performance.
Main Results:
- MCI subjects exhibited significantly worse egocentric navigation compared to controls.
- Reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) was observed in multiple white matter tracts, including the superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum, fornix, and corpus callosum in MCI patients.
- Decreased FA in several tracts, such as the superior longitudinal fasciculus and cingulum, correlated with increased egocentric and allocentric navigation errors.
Conclusions:
- White matter microstructural abnormalities are associated with spatial navigation impairments in individuals with MCI.
- Findings suggest a potential structural basis for navigation deficits in MCI, offering insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of spatial navigation.
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