Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Individuals with Down Syndrome and Williams Syndrome Compared with Typically Developing Controls

• DOI: 10.1089/brain.2014.0266
• Publication Date: 2015-02-25T10:52:47Z
• Authors: Jennifer N. Vega; Timothy J. Hohman; Jennifer R. Prywe...; Elisabeth M. Dykens; Tricia A. Thornto...
• Keywords: Williams Syndrome; Typically developing; Dynamic functional connectivity

The emergence of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis, which examines temporal correlations low-frequency (<0.1 Hz) blood oxygen level-dependent signal fluctuations between brain regions, has dramatically improved our understanding the architecture typically developing (TD) human brain. This study examined rsFC in Down syndrome (DS) compared with another neurodevelopmental disorder, Williams (WS), and TD. Ten subjects DS, 18 WS, 40 TD each participated a 3-Tesla MRI scan. We tested for group differences (DS vs. TD, DS WS TD) between- within-network seven networks. For group, we also associations other cognitive genetic risk factors. In observed higher levels between-network 6 out 21 network pairs but no connectivity. Participants showed lower significant relative to DS. Finally, comparison controls revealed multiple networks one pair controls. While preliminary due modest sample sizes, findings suggest global difference individuals disorders that such is exacerbated across many regions However, this alteration does not appear extend connections, therefore, altered must be interpreted within framework an intact intra-network pattern activity. contrast, shows markedly default mode somatomotor These warrant further investigation using task-based procedure may help disentangle relationship function performance spectrum disorders.