Introduction: The presymptomatic phase of neurodegenerative disease can last many years, with sustained cognitive function despite progressive atrophy. We investigate this phenomenon in familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Methods: We studied 121 presymptomatic FTD mutation carriers and 134 family members without mutations, using multivariate data-driven approach to link cognitive performance with both structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Atrophy and brain network connectivity were compared between groups, in relation to the time from expected symptom onset. Results: There were group differences in brain structure and function, in the absence of differences in cognitive performance. Specifically, we identified behaviorally relevant structural and functional network differences. Structure-function relationships were similar in both groups, but coupling between functional connectivity and cognition was stronger for carriers than for non-carriers, and increased with proximity to the expected onset of disease. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the maintenance of functional network connectivity enables carriers to maintain cognitive performance. (Genetic FTD Initiative) GENFI (GENFI)

Brain functional network integrity sustains cognitive function despite atrophy in presymptomatic genetic frontotemporal dementia

Redaelli V.;
2021-01-01

Abstract

Introduction: The presymptomatic phase of neurodegenerative disease can last many years, with sustained cognitive function despite progressive atrophy. We investigate this phenomenon in familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Methods: We studied 121 presymptomatic FTD mutation carriers and 134 family members without mutations, using multivariate data-driven approach to link cognitive performance with both structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Atrophy and brain network connectivity were compared between groups, in relation to the time from expected symptom onset. Results: There were group differences in brain structure and function, in the absence of differences in cognitive performance. Specifically, we identified behaviorally relevant structural and functional network differences. Structure-function relationships were similar in both groups, but coupling between functional connectivity and cognition was stronger for carriers than for non-carriers, and increased with proximity to the expected onset of disease. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the maintenance of functional network connectivity enables carriers to maintain cognitive performance. (Genetic FTD Initiative) GENFI (GENFI)
2021
frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
network connectivity
presymptomatic
Atrophy
Brain
C9orf72 Protein
Cognition
Frontotemporal Dementia
Humans
Internationality
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Mutation
tau Proteins
Prodromal Symptoms
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12078/18652
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