Letter to the Editor: Comments on "Neural network disruptions between default mode network and salience network in mild cognitive impairment with neuropsychiatric symptoms".
Sandhya Anil Harihar, Anant Sidhappa Kurhade, Shital Yashwant Waware
International Psychogeriatrics May 9, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpsyc.2026.100219 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Functional connectivity Mild cognitive impairment Neuropsychiatric symptoms Salience network |
| Key points | Argues that the reviewed work on default mode and salience network connectivity in mild cognitive impairment with neuropsychiatric features requires further clarification, specifically longitudinal confirmation, consideration of pharmacological interventions as a possible influence on observed activation patterns, and a fuller neurobiological account of the changes, to better understand network-level mechanisms of cognitive decline. |
Abstract
There are several methodological as well as analytical problems regarding the work published by Pan et al. examining DMN and SN disturbances in mild cognitive impairment with neuropsychiatric features. It found significant changes in functional connectivity associated with behavioral symptoms. However, a few points require additional elucidation including confirmation via longitudinal design, the potential role of pharmacological interventions in stimulating observed patterns of neural activation, and a more comprehensive neurobiological account of the specific nature of changes. These could help improve the understanding of network-level mechanisms linked to cognitive decline.