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Effect of different parietal hypoperfusion on neuropsychological characteristics in mild cognitive impairment
Tatsuya Yamaguchi1,2, Hajime Tabuchi2, Daisuke Ito3
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
Background:
In early-stage amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), differences in the neuropsychological characteristics of each individual are subtle. We investigated differences in neuropsychological performance between aMCI patients with and without hypoperfusion in the medial parietal regions (MP). We further compared patients with hypoperfusion in the left and right lateral parietal regions.
Methods:
We examined 165 aMCI patients (mean age: 76.8 ± 5.5 years; 87 women) who had undergone neuropsychological measurement and single-photon emission computed tomography. We classified participants into two subgroups with and without hypoperfusion: MP hypoperfusion (+) and MP hypoperfusion (-); classification was based on Z-scores (calculated by three-dimensional stereotactic surface projection technique) of three regions of interest in the parietal lobes (i.e. MP regions including posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus and left and right inferior parietal lobules (lateral parietal regions)). The MP hypoperfusion (-) group was classified into left lateral parietal hypoperfusion (+) and right lateral parietal hypoperfusion (+) subgroups. We performed either univariate or multivariate ancova to compare neuropsychological scores for continuous variables between groups and examined dichotomous variables using χ2 tests.
Results:
In the overall aMCI sample, scores on logical memory delayed recall in the MP hypoperfusion (+) group were significantly lower than those in the MP hypoperfusion (-) group. Total scores on Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test delayed recall were also marginally lower in the MP hypoperfusion (+) group than in the MP hypoperfusion (-) group. Comparisons of neuropsychological test scores between the left and right lateral parietal hypoperfusion (+) groups revealed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
The present findings suggest that MP hypoperfusion (+) is associated with more robust memory deficits than MP hypoperfusion (-). Combining neuropsychological tests and single-photon emission computed tomography findings may be useful for early detection of cognitive decline in aMCI.
Insights
Medial parietal hypoperfusion in early-stage amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is linked to worse memory recall. Combining imaging and cognitive tests aids early detection of cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Subtle neuropsychological differences exist in early-stage amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).
- Investigating regional brain perfusion differences can elucidate cognitive deficits in aMCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare neuropsychological performance in aMCI patients with and without medial parietal (MP) hypoperfusion.
- To examine differences between patients with left and right lateral parietal hypoperfusion.
Main Methods:
- 165 aMCI patients underwent neuropsychological testing and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
- Participants were classified based on MP hypoperfusion status using 3D stereotactic surface projection (SSP).
- Neuropsychological scores were compared between groups using ANCOVA and chi-squared tests.
Main Results:
- aMCI patients with MP hypoperfusion showed significantly lower logical memory delayed recall scores.
- Marginally lower Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test delayed recall scores were observed in the MP hypoperfusion group.
- No significant differences in neuropsychological scores were found between left and right lateral parietal hypoperfusion groups.
Conclusions:
- MP hypoperfusion is associated with more pronounced memory deficits in aMCI.
- Integrating SPECT findings with neuropsychological tests can aid early detection of cognitive decline.
