Cortical Frontoparietal Network Dysfunction in CHMP2B-Frontotemporal Dementia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Neurology

Background:

• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder.
• CHMP2B gene mutations cause a rare, autosomal dominant form of FTD (CHMP2B-FTD).
• CHMP2B-FTD patients exhibit distinct executive dysfunction and offer insights into early electroencephalographic (EEG) changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate EEG microstate dynamics in CHMP2B-FTD.
• To compare symptomatic and pre-symptomatic CHMP2B mutation carriers with non-carriers.
• To explore potential early electrophysiological markers of neurodegeneration.

Main Methods:

• EEG microstate analysis was performed on symptomatic CHMP2B-FTD patients (n=5), pre-symptomatic carriers (n=5), and non-carriers (n=6).
• Data was parsed into four archetypal microstates, and global power was calculated.
• Microstate occurrence and duration were analyzed in relation to disease duration and symptom onset.

Main Results:

• A trend towards lower occurrence of microstate D was observed in CHMP2B-FTD patients (p=0.177).
• Patients with recent symptom onset (<1 year) showed increased microstate D duration.
• Patients with longer disease duration (>2 years) exhibited decreased microstate D duration.

Conclusions:

• EEG microstate analysis reveals dynamic changes in brain networks associated with CHMP2B-FTD.
• The biphasic pattern of microstate D duration may reflect neurodegenerative processes.
• These findings could inform the development of biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.