Study of Behavioral Dysfunctions and Related Neuronal Correlates in Patients With Dystonia

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Neurologic Disorder; NEUROSCIENCE; Dystonia
• Interventions: Behavioral: experimental group; Behavioral: control group; Diagnostic Test: EEG power in alpha band

• Registration Number: NCT06264063
• Lead Sponsor: IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo"

Brief Summary

Dystonias represent hyperkinetic movement disorders characterized by protracted muscle contractions, such as to cause torsional movements and anomalous postures in different parts of the body. Although they occur more often in a focal form (blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia, cervical dystonia, laryngeal dystonia, attitudinal cramps of the limbs) than segmental (involvement of several contiguous muscle groups, e.g. facial muscles and neck muscles), they are nevertheless capable of significantly influencing the quality of life, with consequent social and health costs. Although described as a predominantly motor disorder, the presence of non-motor symptoms in dystonias associated with alteration of the fronto-striatal circuits is increasingly recognized. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted that the striatum and, more specifically, striatal dopamine, is involved in high cognitive processes such as attention, reward-based learning and decision making. Clinical conditions associated with cortico-striatal circuit dysfunction and abnormal meso-striatal or meso-cortical dopamine transmission also appear to influence temporal estimation, delay discounting, showing an impulsive preference for immediate rewards over delayed gratification.

Based on these premises, the present project aims to evaluate the cognitive and affective aspects of dystonias, in line with neuroimaging research documenting structural and functional dysfunctions in the respective brain regions.

Detailed Description

Dystonias represent hyperkinetic movement disorders characterized by protracted muscle contractions, such as to cause torsional movements and anomalous postures in different parts of the body. Although they occur more often in a focal form (blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia, cervical dystonia, laryngeal dystonia, attitudinal cramps of the limbs) than segmental (involvement of several contiguous muscle groups, e.g. facial muscles and neck muscles), they are nevertheless capable of significantly influencing the quality of life, with consequent social and health costs. Although described as a predominantly motor disorder, the presence of non-motor symptoms in dystonias associated with alteration of the fronto-striatal circuits is increasingly recognized. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted that the striatum and, more specifically, striatal dopamine, is involved in high cognitive processes such as attention, reward-based learning and decision making. Clinical conditions associated with cortico-striatal circuit dysfunction and abnormal meso-striatal or meso-cortical dopamine transmission also appear to influence temporal estimation, delay discounting, showing an impulsive preference for immediate rewards over delayed gratification.

Based on these premises, the present project aims to evaluate the cognitive and affective aspects of dystonias, in line with neuroimaging research documenting structural and functional dysfunctions in the respective brain regions.

The study aims to investigate the neurocognitive profile in patients with dystonia. In particular, investigators will evaluate the correlation between the alterations of the subcortical areas and the cognitive and affective functions involved in the processes of evaluating risk, reward and impulsivity.

Primary Objectives:

Study of cognitive and affective functions in dystonic subjects, with particular reference to the mechanisms of reward learning, inhibitory control and impulsivity.

Secondary objectives:

Connectivity analysis of neuronal substrates related to higher order cognitive alterations

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-12-28
• Status Verified: 2024-01
• Study Start: 2024-01-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-02-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-02-08
• Study First Posted: 2024-02-16
• Last Update Posted: 2024-02-16
• Primary Completion: 2024-03-10
• Study Completion: 2025-10-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 102

Inclusion Criteria

• > 18 years old;
• Informed consent;
• Montreal cognitive assessment > 21;

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients with cervical dystonia with anterocollis spasm;
• Sensory-motor deficits that can hinder neuropsychological assessment
• Contraindications to performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
experimental group	experimental group	patients with dystonia were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation
experimental group	EEG power in alpha band	patients with dystonia were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation
control group	control group	healthy patients were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation
control group	EEG power in alpha band	healthy patients were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Beck depression inventory	1 hour	Study of affective functions in dystonic subjects, with particular reference to the mechanisms of mood and evaluating the presence of depressive symptoms
montreal cognitive assessment	1 hour	Study of cognitive functions in dystonic subjects, with particular reference to the mechanisms of memory, attention and executive functions

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
EEG power in alpha band	1 hour	Connectivity analysis of neuronal substrates related to higher order cognitive alterations and the power of alpha band

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo; 🇮🇹 Messina, Italy