Adults at Increased Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Display Cognitive-Motor Integration Impairment Associated with Changes in Resting-State Functional Connectivity: A Preliminary Study
Affiliations:
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Lauren E. Sergio, Ph.D. York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada Tel.: +1 416 736 2100/Ext. 33641; Fax: +1 416 736 5774; E-mail: lsergio@yorku.ca.
Note: [1] Present address: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract: Background: Many neuroimaging parameters have demonstrated utility as biomarkers in preclinical AD, including resting-state functional connectivity in the default mode network. However, neuroimaging is not a practical, cost effective screening instrument. Objective: Here we investigate the relationship between performance on a cognitive-motor integration assessment and alterations in resting-state functional connectivity in an at-risk population. Methods: Three groups of ten adults (young: mean age = 26.6 ± 2.7, low AD risk: mean age = 58.7 ± 5.6, and high AD risk: mean age = 58.5 ± 6.9) performed a simple cognitive-motor integration task using a dual-touchscreen laptop and also underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging at rest. Results: We found poorer cognitive-motor integration performance in high AD risk participants, as well as an association with lower resting-state functional connectivity in this group. Conclusion: These findings provide novel insight into underlying AD-related brain alterations associated with a behavioral assessment that can be easily administered clinically.
Keywords: Aging, ApoE4, dementia, functional magnetic resonance imaging, geriatric assessment, population at risk, psychomotor performance
