Alterations in resting-state functional connectivity of the default mode network in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: an fMRI study

Background: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is characterized by cognitive functional decline, especially in memory. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely used in neuroimaging studies that explore alterations between patients and normal individuals to elucidate the pathological mechanisms of different diseases. The current study was performed to investigate alterations in the functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) in aMCI patients compared to healthy elderly controls, as well as further define the association between neurological alterations and memory function.

Methods: Twenty-five aMCI patients and 25 healthy individuals were recruited and underwent both fMRI and neuropsychological examinations. fMRI data was analyzed by independent component analysis.

Results: Compared to healthy individuals, aMCI patients exhibited a significant increase in functional connectivity between the DMN and right-middle and right-superior frontal gyri, left-middle occipital gyrus, and left-middle temporal gyrus, but reduced functional connectivity between the DMN and left-middle and left-inferior frontal gyri and left insula. These alterations were found to be associated with reduced memory function.

Conclusions: aMCI patients exhibited abnormal functional connectivity between the DMN and certain brain regions which is associated with changes in memory function associated with aMCI.