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Information processing speed in multiple sclerosis: Relevance of default mode network dynamics.

Q Van Geest, L Douw, S Van 'T Klooster, C E Leurs, H M Genova, G R Wylie, M D Steenwijk, J Killestein, J J G Geurts, H E Hulst

NeuroImage: Clinical 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.05.015 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational case-control study Peer reviewed
Sample size 47
Population 29 people with multiple sclerosis and 18 healthy controls
Measures Letter Digit Substitution Test, Stroop Card I, IPS-composite score
Topics Default mode network
Keywords Cognition Dynamic functional connectivity Information processing speed Multiple sclerosis
Key findings In people with multiple sclerosis, cortical volume and the rest-to-task change in dynamic functional connectivity of the default mode network together explained 52% of the variance in information processing speed, with dynamic connectivity adding 26% beyond conventional brain measures. The authors suggest this highlights the potential importance of the default mode network adapting to cognitive demands to maintain processing speed.

Abstract

To explore the added value of dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of the default mode network (DMN) during resting-state (RS), during an information processing speed (IPS) task, and the within-subject difference between these conditions, on top of conventional brain measures in explaining IPS in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). In 29 pwMS and 18 healthy controls, IPS was assessed with the Letter Digit Substitution Test and Stroop Card I and combined into an IPS-composite score. White matter (WM), grey matter (GM) and lesion volume were measured using 3 T MRI. WM integrity was assessed with diffusion tensor imaging. During RS and task-state fMRI (i.e. symbol digit modalities task, IPS), stationary functional connectivity (sFC; average connectivity over the entire time series) and dFC (variation in connectivity using a sliding window approach) of the DMN was calculated, as well as the difference between both conditions (i.e. task-state minus RS; ΔsFC-DMN and ΔdFC-DMN). Regression analysis was performed to determine the most important predictors for IPS. Compared to controls, pwMS performed worse on IPS-composite (p = 0.022), had lower GM volume (p < 0.05) and WM integrity (p < 0.001), but no alterations in sFC and dFC at the group level. In pwMS, 52% of variance in IPS-composite could be predicted by cortical volume (β = 0.49, p = 0.01) and ΔdFC-DMN (β = 0.52, p < 0.01). After adding dFC of the DMN to the model, the explained variance in IPS increased with 26% (p < 0.01). On top of conventional brain measures, dFC from RS to task-state explains additional variance in IPS. This highlights the potential importance of the DMN to adapt upon cognitive demands to maintain intact IPS in pwMS.

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on default mode network, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
A default mode of brain function Normal adult human brain 2001 Observational study
Resting-State Functional Connectivity Reflects Structural Connectivity in the Default Mode Network Healthy subjects 2008 Observational cohort
Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls 2005 Observational cohort n = 20
Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls 2011 Observational cohort
The precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the default mode network: Evidence from a partial correlation network analysis Healthy subjects 2008 Observational study

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