Salience network structural integrity predicts executive impairment in alcohol use disorders
Caterina Galandra1,2,3, Gianpaolo Basso3,4, Marina Manera5
1Scuola universitaria superiore IUSS, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Scientific Reports
|September 29, 2018
Summary
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) cause cognitive impairments linked to reduced grey matter in brain networks. Specific damage to the salience network significantly impacts attention and working memory in AUD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are associated with cognitive impairments.
- Previous research suggests both global and specific brain damage in AUDs.
- A lack of comprehensive assessment hinders understanding the neuro-structural basis of cognitive deficits in AUDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuro-structural underpinnings of cognitive impairment in AUDs.
- To correlate brain structure changes with specific cognitive deficits using VBM and neuropsychological testing.
- To determine if cognitive impairments in AUDs stem from global damage or specific regional effects.
Main Methods:
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to analyze grey matter reductions.
- An in-depth neuropsychological assessment was conducted to evaluate cognitive functions.
- VBM results were correlated with cognitive performance data.
Main Results:
- VBM revealed diffuse grey matter reduction in AUD patients, affecting key brain networks (meso-cortico-limbic, salience, executive).
- Significant grey matter decreases in the insular and anterior cingulate cortex (salience network) were observed.
- Reduced grey matter density in the salience network explained a substantial portion of the variance in attentional and working-memory deficits.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairments in AUDs may stem from specific executive deficits.
- Selective damage to the salience network's neural mechanisms is implicated.
- This damage may impair access to cognitive resources necessary for controlled cognition and behavior.
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