Prosaccade and Antisaccade Behavior in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome Progression
Yingratana A McLennan1,2, Matthew W Mosconi3, Forrest J McKenzie4
1The MIND Institute University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California USA.
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice
|May 19, 2022
Summary
Quantitative eye movement analysis can track fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia (FXTAS) progression. Antisaccade deficits are key indicators of FXTAS, but not for early detection in carriers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
Background:
- Quantitative eye movement analysis offers insights into neurodegenerative disease progression.
- Fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder.
- Identifying early biomarkers for FXTAS is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of quantitative eye movement measurements in detecting FXTAS progression.
- To assess saccade performance (prosaccade and antisaccade) in individuals with and without FXTAS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of prosaccade (PS) and antisaccade (AS) behavior.
- Study included 25 controls, 57 non-FXTAS carriers, and 46 FXTAS carriers.
- Comparison of saccade metrics across different groups and disease stages.
Main Results:
- FXTAS patients exhibited prolonged AS latencies, increased AS error rates, and greater AS dysmetria compared to controls and non-carriers.
- Deficits in AS and PS performance were more pronounced in advanced stages of FXTAS.
- Antisaccade deficits distinguished FXTAS carriers from non-carriers, suggesting frontostriatal involvement.
Conclusions:
- Antisaccade deficits are indicative of FXTAS and suggest frontostriatal deterioration.
- Saccade performance may serve as a translational biomarker for FXTAS progression rather than an early detection tool.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their clinical applications.
