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Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Electroencephalography Network Indices as Biomarkers of Upper Limb Impairment in Chronic Stroke
Published on: July 14, 2023
The association between precuneus cortex thickness and mild behavioral impairment in patients with mild stroke
Zhengxin Liu1, Ziwei Xu1, Aijuan Yan1
1Department of Neurology, Stroke Center / Cognitive Disorders Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No. 221, West Yan An Road, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
The objective of this research was to examine the association between precuneus cortex thickness and mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in patients with mild stroke. Seventy-two patients were evaluated by high-resolution 3 T magnetic resonance and the mild behavioral impairment checklist (MBI-C). To determine the association between precuneus cortex thickness and MBI, we adjusted for demographics, vascular risk factors, and laboratory examination indicators in logistic regression analysis. In addition, we used mendelian randomization to further study the association through genetic databases. Of the 72 mild stroke patients in this study, 26 had MBI. We found a strong negative connection between precuneus cortex thickness and MBI after adjusting for any confounding variables. In patients with an initial mild stroke, the thinner the precuneus cortex, the higher the risk of MBI (OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.00-0.39; P < 0.05). Our study has uncovered a significant negative association between the thickness of the precuneus cortex and MBI. This finding provides a novel viewpoint for the radiological diagnosis of MBI, thereby augmenting the contribution of imaging to the diagnostic process of MBI and advancing the prediction of dementia. Specifically, in patients who have suffered mild stroke, a reduction in the cortical thickness of the precuneus has been pinpointed as crucial radiographic evidence of preclinical cognitive impairment. This insight could potentially facilitate earlier detection and intervention strategies for cognitive decline.
Insights
In mild stroke patients, thinner precuneus cortex thickness is linked to a higher risk of mild behavioral impairment (MBI). This imaging finding may aid early dementia prediction and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Mild stroke can lead to cognitive and behavioral changes.
- Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) is a potential precursor to dementia.
- The precuneus cortex plays a role in cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between precuneus cortex thickness and MBI in mild stroke patients.
- To explore the potential of neuroimaging in diagnosing MBI.
- To identify early indicators for cognitive decline after stroke.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-two mild stroke patients underwent high-resolution 3T MRI.
- The Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI-C) was used for MBI assessment.
- Logistic regression and Mendelian randomization were employed to analyze the association, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- A significant negative association was found between precuneus cortex thickness and MBI.
- Thinner precuneus cortex correlated with increased MBI risk in mild stroke patients (OR: 0.02, P < 0.05).
- Reduced cortical thickness in the precuneus was identified as a radiographic marker for MBI.
Conclusions:
- Precuneus cortex thickness is a significant predictor of MBI in mild stroke.
- Neuroimaging, specifically measuring precuneus thickness, can aid in the radiological diagnosis of MBI.
- This finding supports the use of imaging for early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia prediction post-stroke.

