Publication
Title
Brain functional network integrity sustains cognitive function despite atrophy in presymptomatic genetic frontotemporal dementia
Author
Institution/Organisation
Genetic FTD Initiative, GENFI
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.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Alzheimer's & dementia / Alzheimer’s Association [Chicago, Ill.] - Orlando, Fla, 2005, currens
Publication
Orlando, Fla : Elsevier , 2021
ISSN
1552-5260 [print]
1552-5279 [online]
DOI
10.1002/ALZ.12209
Volume/pages
17 :3 (2021) , p. 500-514
ISI
000636256400010
Pubmed ID
33215845
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Research group
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 18.08.2021
Last edited 29.08.2024
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