Understanding of Regional Contributions to Memory Impairment in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Poster No:
195
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
Iryna Vlasiuk1, Timothy Rittman1
Institutions:
1University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
First Author:
Co-Author:
Introduction:
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairment, executive dysfunction and general cognitive decline (Litvan et al.,1998; Pilon et al., 1995). Patients with PSP report memory impairment, however, the degree and characteristics of memory impairment in PSP are uncertain. It is important to understand the nature of memory impairment and its relationship to other cognitive domains to provide explanations to patients and caregivers regarding memory complaints, and to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions to improve their quality of life. Additionally, gaining insights into the changes in memory function in PSP can enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of memory impairment and shed light on their neural origins. Our hypothesis was that memory impairments in PSP would be predominantly driven by impaired executive function, which would be reflected in the brain regions associated with memory impairment.
Methods:
A total of 324 patients with PSP and 244 controls underwent standard clinical and neuropsychological assessments, including the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and the INECO Frontal Screening Assessment. Cumulative frequency distribution and The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used for group comparison of total memory, and composite measures of encoding, storage and retrieval. To investigate how closely memory was related to other cognitive variables we applied hierarchical cluster analysis to the components of memory, other cognitive domains from the ACE-R (Language, Attention, Visuospatial abilities and Verbal fluency), and executive measures of FAB and INECO total scores. Neuroimaging was carried out using 3T MRI scanning. To assess brain structure, a Magnetization Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo sequence was acquired (TR 2s, TE 2.93ms, flip angle 8Åã, voxel size 1.1mm isotropic). Regional brain volumes were calculated using Freesurfer (version 7.1) applying the Desikan-Killiany atlas, and with additional analysis for subcortical volumes. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationship between memory subscore of the ACE-R and regional brain volume. P-values were corrected for multiple comparisons using FDR.
Results:
The results revealed that individuals with PSP exhibited impairments in global memory functioning, as well as in the components of memory of encoding, storage, and retrieval. Global memory impairment was associated with executive dysfunction and general cognitive impairment, indicating a complex relationship between memory and other cognitive processes. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the encoding component of memory was most closely related to executive function (see Fig.1), while storage and retrieval components formed separate clusters, suggesting relatively independent processes. Spearmen correlation analysis revealed significant moderate positive correlations between total memory score and several brain regions. These included the posterior cingulate cortex, lateral occipital cortex, rostral middle frontal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, caudal anterior cingulate cortex. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between the encoding memory component and atrophy in the lateral occipital cortex, superior frontal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, rostral middle frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus.
Conclusions:
Overall, the findings from this study provide valuable insights into our understanding of the nature of memory impairment in PSP. It highlights the relationship between memory function and other cognitive variables, as well as regional cortical brain atrophy. These findings provide evidence to guide the development of targeted interventions aimed at addressing memory impairments in PSP, facilitating personalized approaches to diagnosis and clinical interventions.
Disorders of the Nervous System:
Neurodegenerative/ Late Life (eg. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) 1
Higher Cognitive Functions:
Executive Function, Cognitive Control and Decision Making
Learning and Memory:
Long-Term Memory (Episodic and Semantic) 2
Working Memory
Neuroanatomy, Physiology, Metabolism and Neurotransmission:
Cortical Anatomy and Brain Mapping
Keywords:
Degenerative Disease
Memory
MRI
Other - PSP
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
Provide references using author date format
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