Altered functional connectivity in post-ischemic stroke depression: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Radiology

Background:

• Post-stroke depression (PSD) is influenced by stroke characteristics and psychosocial factors.
• Previous research indicates altered functional connectivity (FC) in specific brain networks in PSD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify altered FC in the default mode network (DMN), cognitive control network (CCN), and affective network (AN) in subacute PSD patients.
• To investigate the correlation between FC and PSD severity.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used.
• FC values were calculated for DMN, CCN, and AN in 26 PSD patients, 24 non-depressed stroke patients, and 24 controls.
• The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was used to assess depression severity and correlated with FC.

Main Results:

• PSD patients exhibited altered FC in the DMN, CCN, and AN compared to controls and non-depressed stroke patients.
• Specific regions, including the left inferior parietal gyrus and left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, showed FC alterations correlated with HDRS scores.

Conclusions:

• Altered functional connectivity in the DMN, CCN, and AN may be associated with the development of PSD during the subacute stroke phase.
• These findings highlight potential neural mechanisms underlying PSD.