by A recent study conducted by scientists at The University of Texas at Dallas Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) has shed light on the changes in brain network patterns that occur in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The findings, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, challenge the previous belief that the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on brain function is limited to memory and attention. The researchers discovered distinct changes in circuits involved in sensory and motor processing, suggesting that the effects of Alzheimer’s on brain function are more comprehensive than previously thought.
Dr. Gagan Wig, the corresponding author of the study and an associate professor of psychology in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, stated that some of the brain dysfunctions associated with Alzheimer’s disease extend beyond memory and attention and may be detectable in the early stages of the disease, even before a formal diagnosis is made. This broader impact on brain function could potentially be used as a new way to characterize Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment and as a target for potential treatment.
The study also found that the changes in brain networks associated with Alzheimer’s were independent of other factors commonly associated with the disease, such as elevated levels of amyloid plaques. This suggests that circuit dysfunction in the brain could be a significant factor in Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment, even when amyloid burden is taken into account.
The researchers emphasized the distinction between brain regions and systems based on their function. While some networks are responsible for sensory and motor operations, others are considered association systems that integrate and retain information and oversee attention, memory, and language. The distinction between these systems may play a critical role in differentiating healthy aging from Alzheimer’s degradation.
In healthy aging, changes predominantly occur in association systems, while sensory and motor systems remain relatively stable. However, in Alzheimer’s disease, the study found that interactions between regions responsible for different functions (e.g., visual processing and memory) were also affected. This suggests that Alzheimer’s-related cognitive dysfunction is related to broader changes in brain network interactions, rather than just localized regions.
The study utilized brain-scan data from 326 cognitively healthy individuals and 275 cognitively impaired individuals who were part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). By comparing the effects of age and Alzheimer’s severity on brain network organization and integrity, the researchers were able to observe unique alterations associated with dementia severity. They credited the availability of the ADNI database for their ability to conduct this extensive analysis.
The findings have significant implications for both Alzheimer’s diagnosis and measuring disease risk in otherwise healthy individuals. By refining the brain network-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s, researchers can gain new insights into the types of behavioral deficits most impacted in the early stages of the disease. This knowledge can contribute to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, as well as the development of targeted treatments for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study has expanded our understanding of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on brain function. It highlights the need to consider broader changes in brain networks and interactions in order to accurately diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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