Publication
Title
Cognitive Impairment in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Is Associated With Tau Burden
Author
Abstract
Background: Cognitive impairment is one of the core features of progressive supranuclear palsy. This study aimed to clarify the profile of cognitive impairment and its underlying pathology in progressive supranuclear palsy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records to evaluate the pattern and severity of cognitive impairment in 121 autopsy-confirmed progressive supranuclear palsy patients. A subset of 37 patients underwent neuropsychological evaluation as part of their clinical workup. The burden of progressive supranuclear palsy-related tau pathology (neurofibrillary tangles/pretangles, coiled bodies, tufted astrocytes, and threads) was semiquantitatively scored in 20 vulnerable brain regions. Concurrent pathologies potentially associated with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's-type pathology, were also assessed. To evaluate possible genetic risk factors for cognitive impairment, genetic analysis for APOE and MAPT was performed. Results: Ninety patients (74%) had documented cognitive impairment based on neurologic evaluation. In a subgroup with neuropsychological testing (n = 37), executive functioning was the most severely impaired cognitive domain. A global cognitive impairment index (Spearman's rho, -0.49; P = 0.005) and executive functioning were negatively correlated with total tau burden (Spearman's rho, -0.51; P = 0.003), but not correlated with the Alzheimer's-type pathology. APOE epsilon 4 carriers had more severe amyloid pathology, but total tau burden and a global cognitive impairment index did not differ from APOE epsilon 4 noncarriers. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment in progressive supranuclear palsy, most notably executive dysfunction, is associated with severity of progressive supranuclear palsy-related tau pathology. (C) 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Language
English
Source (journal)
Movement disorders: video, videotape supplements. - New York
Publication
New York : 2017
ISSN
0885-3185
DOI
10.1002/MDS.27198
Volume/pages
32 :12 (2017) , p. 1772-1779
ISI
000418251500044
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 25.09.2019
Last edited 22.08.2023
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