Frontotemporal white matter changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

摘要: Cognitive dysfunction can occur in some patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who are not suffering from dementia. The most striking and consistent cognitive deficit has been found using tests of verbal fluency. ALS fluency deficits have shown functional imaging abnormalities predominantly frontotemporal regions positron emission tomography (PET). This study used automated volumetric voxel-based analysis grey white matter densities structural magnetic resonance (MRI) scans to explore the underlying pattern cerebral change nondemented deficits. Two groups patients, defined by presence or absence impairment on basis Written Verbal Fluency Test (ALSi, cognitively impaired, n = 11; ALSu, unimpaired 12) were compared healthy age matched controls (n 12). A comparison ALSi group revealed significantly (p < 0.002) reduced volume extensive motor non–motor regions, including corresponding association fibres. These demonstrated a profile executive memory dysfunction. Less reductions ALSu control frontal White volumes also correlate performance tests. There no significant either patient controls. temporal here may underlie previously reported non–demented patients. results suggest that extra–motor be present evidence change. findings support hypothesis continuum this disorder.