The influence of first-degree family history on gray matter atrophy and cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s disease: A clinical profile
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Having a positive first-degree family history in dementia (FH+) is known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).Several studies show that healthy subjects with FH+ have a reduced gray matter volume (GMV) and cognitive performance compared to subjects with a negative family history in dementia (FH-).Furthermore, numerous studies show that subjects with a maternal family history (FHm) have more gray matter atrophy compared to subjects with a paternal family history (FHp) or FH-.However, knowledge about differences in GMV and cognitive performance between FH+ and FH-subjects, and specifically between FHm, FHp and FH-subjects, in AD patients is still scarce.Therefore, in this study we will investigate the influence of first-degree family history on gray matter atrophy and cognitive performance in AD patients.Methods With the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing, we compared GMV and cognitive performance between FH+ and FH-patients, and specifically between FHm, FHp and FH-patients.In total, 123 FH+ patients (FHm = 67, FHp = 35) and 141 FH-patients were analyzed, looking at GMV in several regions of interest (ROI) and neuropsychological testing.To identify profiles of the different groups, we chose to use a control group that included participants with subjective cognitive complaints. ResultsOur findings showed that AD patients with FH-had more gray matter atrophy in the left posterior temporal lobe compared to FH+ patients (uncorrected for multiple testing).Furthermore, comparisons between FHm, FHp, and FH-patients showed that FH-patients had more gray matter atrophy compared to FHm patients (uncorrected for multiple testing).Looking at the cognitive performance, FH-patients performed worse on executive functioning in comparison with FH+ patients.No differences were found between FHm, FHp and FH-patients.Lastly, no significant correlation was found between GMV and cognitive performance.Discussion Findings in this study indicate that FH-patients are more affected than FH+ patients, which is not in line with previous literature.However, this study is one of the first studies to investigate in cognitively impaired patients and can be an interesting starting point for further research in this topic, since this could contribute to a better understanding of the effect of family history in AD patients.
Author: Klekamp, Sophie
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7019829346