Altered white matter topological network and cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder

This study aims to explore the association between cognitive impairment and white matter topological networks in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

We enrolled 51 patients diagnosed with MDD and 57 healthy controls for this study. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery. Diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance scans were performed to construct white matter brain networks based on deterministic fiber tracts and we quantified the topological properties of these networks. Then, we investigated the potential association between changes in these network properties and cognitive dysfunction.

MDD patients performed significantly worse in all cognitive domains, including speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. In MDD, there was a positive correlation between local efficiency and processing speed, as well as reasoning and problem solving. Additionally, the local efficiency of the right precuneus was positively correlated with verbal learning.

Cognitive symptoms in MDD patients may relate to dysfunction in white matter topological network.