Structural and Functional Projections of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert and Their Changes After Cognitive Training in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Randomized controlled trial nested within a cross-sectional case-control comparison
PubMed 39723443 · doi:10.1111/cns.70194
What was done
Researchers compared 45 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 45 cognitively unimpaired controls using T1-weighted MRI (nucleus basalis of Meynert [NBM] volume), diffusion tensor imaging (mean diffusivity [MD] of NBM white matter projections), and resting-state fMRI (functional connectivity). A subset of 36 MCI patients was subsequently randomized to receive computerized cognitive training (CCT) or control training, evaluated via linear mixed models.
What was found
Compared to controls, MCI patients had reduced NBM volume and higher MD in both cholinergic pathways. Increased MD values correlated with lower scores on global cognition, processing speed, and attention across all participants. Following the intervention, a significant group-by-time interaction favored CCT over control training for Backward Digit Span scores and functional connectivity between the NBM and right putamen. No numerical values, confidence intervals, or exact p-values were reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study links cholinergic pathway degeneration to specific cognitive deficits in MCI and indicates that computerized cognitive training may enhance working memory and targeted basal forebrain functional connectivity.
Limits
The randomized intervention included only 36 participants across two arms. The abstract omits training duration, adherence rates, blinding details, post-intervention follow-up, and all quantitative estimates.
Cited by
- context Cognitive visual or auditory processing speed training improves cholinergic signaling in the forebrain.