Increased cerebral functional connectivity in ALS: A resting-state magnetoencephalography study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology

Background:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
• Understanding early cortical changes in ALS is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess cortical function in ALS using noninvasive neural signal recording.
• To identify potential biomarkers for ALS pathology.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) was employed.
• Neuronal oscillation power was measured in patients with ALS, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), and asymptomatic genetic mutation carriers, compared to healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Both ALS and PLS patient groups exhibited increased functional connectivity compared to controls.
• Elevated functional connectivity, originating from the posterior cingulate cortex, was observed.
• Similar connectivity patterns were found in asymptomatic genetic mutation carriers.

Conclusions:

• Increased cortical functional connectivity is a quantitative marker of ALS pathology across its spectrum.
• This biomarker may manifest during the presymptomatic period.
• Monitoring these MEG signals could inform the development of neuroprotective therapies.