Frontotemporal dementia. How to deal with its diagnostic complexity?

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders. Aside from genetic cases, its diagnosis is challenging, particularly in the early stages when symptoms are ambiguous, and structural neuroimaging does not reveal characteristic patterns. The authors performed comprehensive literature search through MEDLINE, Scopus, Web Science databases to gather evidence aid diagnostic process for suspected FTD patients, phases, even sporadic ranging established promising tools. Blood-based biomarkers might help identify very neuropathological guide further evaluations. Subsequently, neurophysiological measures reflecting functional changes cortical excitatory/inhibitory circuits, along with assessing brain network, connectivity, metabolism, perfusion alterations, could detect specific associated decades before symptom onset. As advances, cognitive-behavioral profiles atrophy patterns emerge, distinguishing subtypes. Emerging disease-modifying therapies require patient enrollment. Therefore, paradigm shift needed - relying on typical cognitive advanced cases widely applicable biomarkers, primarily fluid and, subsequently, where appropriate. Additionally, exploring subjective complaints behavioral detected by home-based technologies be crucial diagnosis.

Language: Английский

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Predicting Imitative Performance through Cortico-Cerebellar Circuits: A Multivariate and Effective Connectivity Study

NeuroImage, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 121081 - 121081

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

The ability to accurately imitate actions requires the contribution of Mirror Neuron System (MNS) and prefrontal cerebellar regions. present study aimed at investigating whether functional interaction between cortical areas cerebellum during observation complex bimanual can predict individual same actions. Nineteen healthy participants underwent an fMRI task in which they observed action sequences (paper folding) subsequently imitated sequences. Control conditions included passive actions, reaching movements, without intent imitate, natural landscapes. Participants' imitation performance was video-recorded scored for accuracy. Univariate whole-brain regression, multivariate pattern recognition, generalized psychophysiological analyses were used assess activation patterns phase could subsequent performance. results showed that: (i) observing condition activated parietal, premotor, cortex, lateral cerebellum; (ii) levels left anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS), ventral premotor cortex (PMv), dorsolateral (DLPFC), right (CB VI) predicted accuracy; (iii) a bilateral distribution involving aIPS, PMv, DLPFC, CB VI better than approach; (iv) increased effective connectivity VI, DLPFC observation-to-imitate correlated with higher These findings underscore role within MNS simulating enabling their accurate reproduction.

Language: Английский

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Effects of dual task on functional mobility in individuals with Down syndrome: a case–control study

Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 30(1)

Published: March 18, 2025

Abstract Background Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities often associated with mobility limitations. Dual-task activities, whether traditional (e.g., naming animals) or ecological talking typing on a mobile phone), require complex motor-sensory integration can pose additional challenges to mobility. For individuals DS, performing simultaneous tasks may exacerbate difficulties in functional Purpose This study aimed evaluate impact phone-related dual DS. Methods A case–control was conducted involving nine age- sex-matched without forming control group (CG). Functional assessed using timed up go (TUG) test under single-task conditions four dual-task conditions: cognitive, motor, talking, phone. An analysis variance (ANOVA) performed compare outcome measures that included time complete TUG accuracy cognitive tasks. The Interference Index calculated for each condition compared between groups paired t-test . Within-group analyses were also assess effect condition. Results Individuals DS showed worse performance than CG across all conditions. index revealed more adversely affected by demands CG. Cognitive had significant negative impact, followed Conclusion Traditional tasks, such as cell phone, greater Considering growing prevalence multitasking daily life, incorporating activities into rehabilitation programs enhance this population. Further research needed explore practical applications these findings.

Language: Английский

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Time perception in cerebellar and basal ganglia stroke patients

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Feb. 10, 2025

The neural mechanisms underlying time perception remain elusive. Although the cerebellum (CE) and basal ganglia (BG) are considered fundamental, evidence primarily stems from studies on neurodegenerative diseases, where progressive widespread damage complicates linking deficits to specific brain structures. In contrast, stroke affects focal areas suddenly, allowing for assessment of immediate functional consequences. Here, we compared patients with acute in CE BG age-matched healthy controls (HC) both explicit (time bisection, free 1-second finger tapping) implicit (rhythmic, temporal orienting) timing tasks. Concerning timing, were faster than HC their tapping, while lesions showed greater variability tapping. Similarly, performance bisection task suggested more related cognitive complaints dysfunction. tasks, patients, like HC, effectively used information provided by rhythm orienting cues anticipate target onset, whereas failed longer reaction times. Therefore, before compensatory can take effect, might hinder could disrupt representation when processed alongside other functions.

Language: Английский

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Additional Effects of Facilitatory Cerebellar Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Inhibitory Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over the Unaffected Contralesional Primary Motor Cortex for Motor Recovery in Subacute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Journal of Clinical Medicine, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 14(7), P. 2315 - 2315

Published: March 28, 2025

Background/Objectives: Cerebellum might be one of the targets repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for motor recovery in stroke patients. The aim this study was to investigate enhancing effects rTMS over cerebellum on inhibitory patients with subacute ischemic stroke. Methods: Twenty-three were recruited into single-blind randomized, controlled a blinded observer. Cr-Cbll group received consisting continuous theta burst contralesional primary cortex (M1), shoulder mobilization exercise, and high-frequency cerebellum. Cr-sham sham instead rTMS. All participants ten daily sessions 2 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) measured before, immediately after, months after intervention. Results: A total 20 (10 10 group) who completed two-week intervention included intention-to-treat analysis. There no significant difference general clinical characteristics between two groups at baseline. Total upper extremity scores FMA showed interaction time (p < 0.05). Each improvement score significantly higher than Conclusions: These results demonstrated that could have additional M1 improving function

Language: Английский

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What Else Is Happening to the Mirror Neurons?—A Bibliometric Analysis of Mirror Neuron Research Trends and Future Directions (1996–2024)

Brain and Behavior, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Background Since its discovery in the late 20th century, research on mirror neurons has become a pivotal area neuroscience, linked to various cognitive and social functions. This bibliometric analysis explores trajectory, key topics, future trends field of neuron research. Methods We searched Web Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for publications from 1996 2024 Statistical visualization analyses were performed using CiteSpace VOSviewer. Results Publication output peaked 2013 remained active. High‐impact journals such as Science, Brain, Neuron, PNAS , NeuroImage frequently feature findings system, including distribution, neural coding, roles intention understanding, affective empathy, motor learning, autism, neurological disorders. Keyword clustering reveals major directions neurostimulation, whereas burst detection underscores emerging significance brain‐computer interfaces (BCIs). Research methodologies have been evolving traditional electrophysiological recordings advanced techniques functional magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial stimulation, BCIs, highlighting dynamic, multidisciplinary progression. Conclusions study identifies areas associated with anticipates that work will integrate artificial intelligence, clinical interventions, novel neuroimaging techniques, providing new perspectives complex socio‐cognitive issues their applications both basic science practice.

Language: Английский

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Differential Resting-State Brain Characteristics of Skeleton Athletes and Non-Athletes: A Preliminary Resting-State fMRI Study

Brain Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(10), P. 1016 - 1016

Published: Oct. 12, 2024

(1) Background: This study investigates the resting-state brain characteristics of skeleton athletes compared to healthy age-matched non-athletes, using fMRI investigate long-term skeleton-training-related changes in brain. (2) Methods: Eleven and twenty-three matched novices with no prior experience were recruited. Amplitude low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) seed-based functional connectivity analyses explored magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data, aiming elucidate differences function between two groups. (3) Results: Compared control group, exhibited significantly higher ALFF left fusiform, inferior temporal gyrus, right frontal middle insula, Rolandic operculum, superior gyrus. Skeleton exhibit stronger regions associated cognitive motor (superior insula), as well those related reward learning (putamen), visual processing (precuneus), spatial cognition (inferior parietal), emotional (amygdala), during function. (4) Conclusions: The contributes understanding how training history shapes athletes' brains, which have distinct neural population, indicating potential adaptations their specialized expertise sport.

Language: Английский

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The effectiveness of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation on chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Digital Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Objective As highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying strategies for home-based patient management is crucial. pain highly prevalent and imposes significant burdens, interest in its remote steadily increasing. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) seems promising this context. Methods This systematic review meta-analysis aimed to determine effectiveness of tDCS (PROSPERO, CRD42023452899). The extracted data included clinical conditions, interventions, comparators, outcome measures, adverse effects, risk bias; Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development Evaluation (GRADE) assessment was carried out. Results 12 records (9 randomized controlled trials [RCTs], 446 participants, 266 undergoing tDCS) were review. showed that might produce large clinically relevant improvement chronic intensity at end intervention (standard mean difference [SMD] −0.95, 95% CI −1.34 −0.56; p < 0.01; 404 low certainty), as well small unimportant short-term follow-up (SMD −0.50, −0.82 −0.19; 160 moderate certainty). A subgroup analysis it improve related fibromyalgia knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, modulate pressure threshold, heat cold tolerance intervention. Notably, appeared be generally safe, well-accepted easily applied home. Conclusions Low certainty evidence suggests self-administered a safe effective tool managing various types pain. Further well-designed, large-scale RCTs are warranted.

Language: Английский

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Exploring imitation of within hand prehensile object manipulation using fMRI and graph theory analysis

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

This study aims to establish an imitation task of multi-finger haptics in the context regular grasping and regrasping processes during activities daily living. A video guided 26 healthy, right-handed volunteers through three phases task: (1) fixation a hand holding cuboid, (2) observation sensori-motor manipulation, (3) that motor action. fMRI recorded task; graph analysis acquisitions revealed associated functional cerebral connectivity patterns. Inferred from four 60 ROI weighted graphs, connectivities are consistent with plan for manipulation left hemisphere network right involving inferior frontal gyrus, site intentional control imitation. The networks exhibit rich clubs which include hand, dorsal attention cingulo-opercular communities execution both hemispheres diversity clubs, significant only visual association cortex, suggesting enhanced perception required guiding movement-limited fingers. Short pathway analyses these findings, confirming preferential involvement ventral premotor cortices mirror network.

Language: Английский

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Decoding the brain-machine interaction for upper limb assistive technologies: advances and challenges

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 19

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

Understanding how the brain encodes upper limb movements is crucial for developing control mechanisms in assistive technologies. Advances technologies, particularly Brain-machine Interfaces (BMIs), highlight importance of decoding motor intentions and kinematics effective control. EEG-based BMI systems show promise due to their non-invasive nature potential inducing neural plasticity, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. While BMIs intention kinematics, studies indicate inconsistent correlations with actual or planned movements, posing challenges achieving precise reliable prosthesis Further, variability predictive EEG patterns across individuals necessitates personalized tuning improve efficiency. Integrating multiple physiological signals could enhance precision reliability, paving way more strategies. Studies have shown that activity adapts gravitational inertial constraints during movement, highlighting critical role adaptation biomechanical changes creating devices. This review aims provide a comprehensive overview recent progress deciphering associated both assisted avenues future exploration neurorehabilitation brain-machine interface development.

Language: Английский

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