Theory of Mind and Social Cognition in Huntington's Disease, Clinical Correlations - A Preliminary Report (P07.185)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate social cognition (SC) and theory of mind (TOM) in Huntington9s disease (HD). Background SC embraces several sub-domains related with the ability to predict what others will think, feel or do in novel situations. TOM is the core component of social functioning and relies on the ability to represent the mental states of others and to predict their possible behaviors. HD is characterized by involuntary movements and psychiatric, behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions. HD patients are often socially aloof, show lack of empathy, cognitive rigidity and mood disturbances. Design/Methods: After giving informed consent, 5 patients were diagnosed with HD by clinical findings and genetic testing and composed the sample of this study. The mean age was 47±22.2 years, the average duration of the illness was 7.4±10.5 years, and the mean CAG repeats in the expanded allele was 47, 8±10, 4. The mean level of education was 14, 4±2.6 years. An SC / TOM battery that included Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Reading the Eyes in the Mind Test (REMT), Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Faux Pas test (FPT) and reversion test was administered. All data were compared with control individuals.Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and correlation coefficients. Results: HD patients performed poorly as compared with control subjects in IGT and FPT, respectively (p Conclusions: The SC and TOM impairment in our HD patients agree with previously reported series and contribute to support a fronto-striatal involvement.Interestingly, in these patients an inverse correlation was observed among SC, TOM and nCAG repeats and disease duration, which may predict a more severe evolution of the disease. Disclosure: Dr. Etcheverry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Demey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ruotolo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Orellano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vanotti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vilas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Villar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rojas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Parisi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Persi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Allegri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gatto has nothing to disclose.