Functional MRI-specific alterations in frontoparietal network in mild cognitive impairment: an ALE meta-analysis

Xinyi Yang1, Huimin Wu1, Yu Song1

  • 1Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Functional MRI (fMRI) reveals specific brain alterations in the frontoparietal network (FPN) of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These findings aid in identifying early-stage MCI for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.
  • The frontoparietal network (FPN) is implicated in MCI pathophysiology, but specific affected regions and network interactions remain unclear.
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is crucial for investigating brain function alterations in MCI.

Approach:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies using fMRI.
  • Searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies on FPN alterations in MCI.
  • Utilized activation likelihood estimation to integrate and visualize abnormal functional regions.

Key Points:

  • Identified specific FPN regions with altered function in MCI: bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, insula, precuneus cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, inferior parietal lobule, middle temporal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus.
  • Observed that alterations in these regions indicate interactions between the FPN and other brain networks.
  • Synthesized findings from 29 selected studies.

Conclusions:

  • This study pinpoints distinct fMRI-based neuroimaging anomalies within the FPN in individuals with MCI.
  • These identified alterations offer a potential biomarker for early MCI detection.
  • Provides a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for early-stage MCI patients.