Neural network localization in Parkinson's disease with impulse control disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibits significant heterogeneity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings concerning impulse control disorders (ICDs).
• Previous studies on PD with ICDs have identified diverse brain regions, leading to a lack of consensus.
• A unifying network hypothesis was proposed to reconcile these disparate findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing MRI studies on PD with ICDs.
• To identify a common neural network affected in PD with ICDs using a novel functional connectivity network mapping (FCNM) technique.
• To integrate and explain the heterogeneity observed in neuroimaging findings for PD with ICDs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature review of structural and functional MRI studies in PD with ICDs.
• Utilized the Human Connectome Project (HCP) dataset (n=1,093) for network analysis.
• Applied a novel FCNM technique to identify shared aberrant neural networks.

Main Results:

• Analyzed 19 studies involving 345 individuals with PD and ICDs and 787 with PD without ICDs.
• Identified aberrant neural networks primarily involving the default mode network (DMN) and subcortical network.
• Specific DMN regions include the middle/inferior temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and angular gyrus; the caudate nucleus was identified in the subcortical network.

Conclusions:

• Heterogeneous neuroimaging findings in PD with ICDs are explained by shared abnormalities in the DMN and subcortical network.
• These network dysfunctions are linked to impaired self-regulation, decision-making, and increased impulsivity in PD.
• The study provides a network-level understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying PD with ICDs, integrating diverse previous findings.