Reorganization of Functional Networks in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Author Information
Author(s): Buldú Javier M., Bajo Ricardo, Maestú Fernando, Castellanos Nazareth, Leyva Inmaculada, Gil Pablo, Sendiña-Nadal Irene, Almendral Juan A., Nevado Angel, del-Pozo Francisco, Boccaletti Stefano
Primary Institution: Complex Systems Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Fuenlabrada, Spain
Hypothesis
Whether the balance between integration and segregation of information in the brain is damaged in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) subjects is still a matter of debate.
Conclusion
The analysis of functional networks could be an appropriate tool for the early detection of both Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.
Supporting Evidence
- MCI patients require higher synchronization in their functional networks to perform a memory task.
- An increase in global network synchronization in MCI patients occurs compared to healthy controls.
- MCI patients feature increased synchronization between brain areas.
- Functional networks in MCI show a tendency towards random structures.
Takeaway
People with Mild Cognitive Impairment have to work harder to remember things because their brain connections are more random and less organized.
Methodology
Magnetoencephalograms (MEG) time series were evaluated during a memory task to quantify the statistical dependence between MEG signals and to obtain the functional networks.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants and the specific memory task used.
Limitations
The study only included a small sample size of 19 MCI patients and 19 controls.
Participant Demographics
Nineteen MCI patients and nineteen healthy volunteers, matched for age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0033
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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