Changes In Brain Function Research Articles

Brain Functional Network Changes in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment Following Acupuncture Therapy

Brain Functional Network Changes in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment Following Acupuncture Therapy

Brain functional and structural changes in diabetic children. How can intellectual development be optimized in type 1 diabetes?

The neuropsychological functioning of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is of key importance to the effectiveness of the therapy, which, in its complexity, requires a great deal of knowledge, attention, and commitment. Intellectual limitations make it difficult to achieve the optimal metabolic balance, and a lack of this alignment can contribute to the further deterioration of cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to provide a narrative review of the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of diabetes on brain structure and functions during childhood and also to present possible actions to optimize intellectual development in children with T1D. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature using selected keywords. The results were summarized using a narrative synthesis. Disturbances in glucose metabolism during childhood may have a lasting negative effect on the development of the brain and related cognitive functions. To optimize intellectual development in children with diabetes, it is essential to prevent disorders of the central nervous system by maintaining peri-normal glycemic levels. Based on the performed literature review, it seems necessary to take additional actions, including repeated neuropsychological evaluation with early detection of any cognitive dysfunctions, followed by the development of individual management strategies and the training of appropriate skills, together with complex, multidirectional environmental support.

Frontal and anterior temporal hypometabolism post chemoradiation in head and neck cancer: A real-world PET study.

Adverse neurological effects after cancer therapy are common, but biomarkers to diagnose, monitor, or risk stratify patients are still not validated or used clinically. An accessible imaging method, such as fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) of the brain, could meet this gap and serve as a biomarker for functional brain changes. We utilized FDG PET to evaluate which brain regions are most susceptible to altered glucose metabolism after chemoradiation in patients with head and neck cancer (HNCa). Real-world FDG PET images were acquired as standard of care before and after chemoradiation for HNCa in 68 patients. Linear mixed-effects voxelwise models assessed changes after chemoradiation in cerebral glucose metabolism quantified with standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), covarying for follow-up time and patient demographics. Voxelwise analysis revealed two large clusters of decreased glucose metabolism in the medial frontal and polar temporal cortices following chemoradiation, with decreases of approximately 5% SUVR after therapy. These findings provide evidence that standard chemoradiation for HNCa can lead to decreased neuronal glucose metabolism, contributing to literature emphasizing the vulnerability of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes, especially in HNCa, where these areas may be particularly vulnerable to indirect radiation-induced injury. FDG PET shows promise as a sensitive biomarker for assessing these changes.

Extraction of brain function pattern with visual-capture-task fMRI using dynamic time-window method in ADHD children

Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a great impact on children's development. This paper uses a novel adaptive brain state extraction algorithm to construct a dynamic time-window brain network, which captures the brain function pattern characteristics of ADHD children with higher temporal resolution. The test data were acquired by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) obtained from 23 children with ADHD during the visual-capture-task [age: (8.27 ± 2.77)]. A spatial standard deviation method is used after the initial data processing, to extract the brain activity pattern state; An improved clustering algorithm is constructed to verify the changes made to the dynamic time-window brain network model. There can be seen clear differences between each state within 0.05 s after the test. The results show that our improved new framework can effectively obtain the characteristics of dynamic brain functional connection strength changes during the task. In addition, the new algorithm is able to capture the dynamic changes of the brain network, with an 80 % improvement compared to traditional methods for the average modularity value Q. This work demonstrates a novel approach to find out the pattern changes between dynamic brain function connections, which can be of great significance for the adjuvant treatment of children with ADHD.

Hearing loss and dementia in older adults: A narrative review.

The prevalence of hearing loss is high among older adults; globally, 65% of adults over 60 years have hearing loss. Over the past decade, evidence from epidemiologic studies has linked hearing loss to nearly two times greater risk of dementia. The hypothesized mechanistic pathways through which hearing loss could contribute to increased dementia risk include the effects of hearing on greater cognitive load, changes in brain structure and function, and decreased social engagement. These mechanistic pathways may be modified by management of hearing loss using existing intervention (eg, hearing aids). Hearing treatment may be an effective intervention for slowing cognitive decline in some older adults. In this review, we update existing reviews of the current epidemiologic research on the association between hearing loss and dementia risk and discuss hypothesized mechanisms of this association. We also discuss management of hearing loss as a potential intervention for slowing cognitive decline and reducing dementia risk.

Mechanisms of Neurocognitive Adaptation during Aging Process

Human aging is associated with an increased risk of various geriatric syndromes, cognitive impairment being among the most frequent. The most prominent form of the cognitive impairment — dementia — has become one of the major course of dependency in older and oldest old patients. Nevertheless, it has been shown that despite the fact that various parts of the brain change structurally over time due to natural aging or diseases, it does not necessarily manifest into clinical symptoms for some older people. Therefore, there is a dissociation of the severity of morphological and functional brain changes. The review presents current data on adaptive mechanisms that ensure the preservation of neurocognitive activity during aging process. In addition to the concept of brain and cognitive reserves, different mechanisms of neurocognitive maintenance and compensation are discussed, both in the norm and in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The possibility of their clinical and instrumental assessment and practical significance are discussed.

Retracted: Characteristics Scanning of Brain Structure and Function Changes in Patients with Different Degrees of Alzheimer's Disease.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/5238941.].

Brain functional changes across mood states in bipolar disorder: from a large-scale network perspective.

Exploring the neural basis related to different mood states is a critical issue for understanding the pathophysiology underlying mood switching in bipolar disorder (BD), but research has been scarce and inconsistent. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 162 patients with BD: 33 (hypo)manic, 64 euthymic, and 65 depressive, and 80 healthy controls (HCs). The differences of large-scale brain network functional connectivity (FC) between the four groups were compared and correlated with clinical characteristics. To validate the generalizability of our findings, we recruited a small longitudinal independent sample of BD patients (n = 11). In addition, we examined topological nodal properties across four groups as exploratory analysis. A specific strengthened pattern of network FC, predominantly involving the default mode network (DMN), was observed in (hypo)manic patients when compared with HCs and bipolar patients in other mood states. Longitudinal observation revealed an increase in several network FCs in patients during (hypo)manic episode. Both samples evidenced an increase in the FC between the DMN and ventral attention network, and between the DMN and limbic network (LN) related to (hypo)mania. The altered network connections were correlated with mania severity and positive affect. Bipolar depressive patients exhibited decreased FC within the LN compared with HCs. The exploratory analysis also revealed an increase in degree in (hypo)manic patients. Our findings identify a distributed pattern of large-scale network disturbances in the unique context of (hypo)mania and thus provide new evidence for our understanding of the neural mechanism of BD.

Cerebral blood flow and white matter alterations in adults with phenylketonuria

BackgroundPhenylketonuria (PKU) represents a congenital metabolic defect that disrupts the process of converting phenylalanine (Phe) into tyrosine. Earlier investigations have revealed diminished cognitive performance and changes in brain structure and function (including the presence of white matter lesions) among individuals affected by PKU. However, there exists limited understanding regarding cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its potential associations with cognition, white matter lesions, and metabolic parameters in patients with PKU, which we therefore aimed to investigate in this study. MethodArterial spin labeling perfusion MRI was performed to measure CBF in 30 adults with early-treated classical PKU (median age 35.5 years) and 59 healthy controls (median age 30.0 years). For all participants, brain Phe levels were measured with 1H spectroscopy, and white matter lesions were rated by two neuroradiologists on T2 weighted images. White matter integrity was examined with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). For patients only, concurrent plasma Phe levels were assessed after an overnight fasting period. Furthermore, past Phe levels were collected to estimate historical metabolic control. On the day of the MRI, each participant underwent a cognitive assessment measuring IQ and performance in executive functions, attention, and processing speed. ResultsNo significant group difference was observed in global CBF between patients and controls (F (1, 87) = 3.81, p = 0.054). Investigating CBF on the level of cerebral arterial territories, reduced CBF was observed in the left middle and posterior cerebral artery (MCA and PCA), with the most prominent reduction of CBF in the anterior subdivision of the MCA (F (1, 87) = 6.15, p = 0.015, surviving FDR correction). White matter lesions in patients were associated with cerebral blood flow reduction in the affected structure. Particularly, patients with lesions in the occipital lobe showed significant CBF reductions in the left PCA (U = 352, p = 0.013, surviving FDR correction). Additionally, axial diffusivity measured with DTI was positively associated with CBF in the ACA and PCA (surviving FDR correction). Cerebral blood flow did not correlate with cognitive performance or metabolic parameters. ConclusionThe relationship between cerebral blood flow and white matter indicates a complex interplay between vascular health and white matter alterations in patients with PKU. It highlights the importance of considering a multifactorial model when investigating the impact of PKU on the brain.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of the Visual Cortex with Wide-View Retinotopic Stimulation.

High-resolution retinotopic blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a wide-view presentation can be used to functionally map the peripheral and central visual cortex. This method for measuring functional changes of the visual brain allows for functional mapping of the occipital lobe, stimulating >100° (±50°) or more of the visual field, compared to standard fMRI visual presentation setups which usually cover <30° of the visual field. A simple wide-view stimulation system for BOLD fMRI can be set up using common MR-compatible projectors by placing a large mirror or screen close to the subject's face and using only the posterior half of a standard head coil to provide a wide-viewing angle without obstructing their vision. The wide-view retinotopic fMRI map can then be imaged using various retinotopic stimulation paradigms, and the data can be analyzed to determine the functional activity of visual cortical regions corresponding to central and peripheral vision. This method provides a practical, easy-to-implement visual presentation system that can be used to evaluate changes in the peripheral and central visual cortex due to eye diseases such as glaucoma and the vision loss that may accompany them.

Longitudinal assessment of the effects of passive training on stroke rehabilitation using fNIRS technology

For patients with severe conditions such as stroke, passive exercise is commonly used in the early stages of their rehabilitation training. This study aimed to assess the effect of passive training on stroke rehabilitation and track brain function changes and the patient's rehabilitation progress, by employing a robot glove to perform a passive flexion-extension task. Specifically, functional near-infrared spectroscopy data from 26 patients under resting and right-hand passive interactions (task state) were recorded before and after a one-week interval, respectively, to explore the variations in the brain network of the patients. The results showed a stronger functional connectivity in both states of the two experiments in the left and right homotopic brain regions (p < 0.01). The effective connectivity network between brain regions maintained a consistent trend during the same test. Changes in functional connectivity and effective connectivity networks may represent the advantages of motor rehabilitation tasks and patient treatment duration, providing a perspective for an easy understanding of the mechanisms of stroke-related brain changes. This study demonstrates the feasibility of passive training strategies in the field of intelligent rehabilitation by applying neuroscientific diagnostic methods based on physiological data to the field of human-computer interaction.

MiRNAs and Substances Abuse: Clinical and Forensic Pathological Implications: A Systematic Review

Substance addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive seeking and continued substance use, despite adverse consequences. The high prevalence and social burden of addiction are indisputable; however, the available intervention is insufficient. The modulation of gene expression and aberrant adaptation of neural networks are attributed to the changes in brain functions under repeated exposure to addictive substances. Considerable studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are strong modulators of post-transcriptional gene expression in substance addiction. The emerging role of microRNA (miRNA) provides new insights into many biological and pathological processes in the central nervous system: their variable expression in different regions of the brain and tissues may play a key role in regulating the pathophysiological events of addiction. This work provides an overview of the current literature on miRNAs involved in addiction, evaluating their impaired expression and regulatory role in neuroadaptation and synaptic plasticity. Clinical implications of such modulatory capacities will be estimated. Specifically, it will evaluate the potential diagnostic role of miRNAs in the various stages of drug and substance addiction. Future perspectives about miRNAs as potential novel therapeutic targets for substance addiction and abuse will also be provided.

Altered brain function and structure pre- and post- COVID-19 infection: a longitudinal study.

Evidence indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect the brain, resulting in central nervous system symptoms. However, there is a lack of a longitudinal imaging study investigating the impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on brain function. Consequently, this study aimed to fill this knowledge gap using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Twenty-one participants underwent two resting-state fMRI scans before and after infection. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were assessed to identify the brain function changes. Additionally, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was utilized to assess changes in brain structure. Subsequently, brain regions that showed significant differences were identified as regions of interest (ROI) in functional connectivity analysis (FC). After infection, ALFF was increased in the bilateral paracentral lobe and postcentral gyrus while decreased in the bilateral precuneus. Moreover, ReHo was decreased in the cerebellar vermis, accompanied by a decrease in FC with the bilateral postcentral gyrus. Furthermore, gray matter volume (GMV) reduction was observed in the left thalamus. The results of the correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between ALFF values in the bilateral precuneus and scores on the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) in pre- and post-infection datasets. Neuroimaging alterations may occur before the manifestation of clinical symptoms, indicating that the functioning of the motor and sensory systems, as well as their connection, might be affected following infection. This alteration can potentially increase the potential of maladaptive responses to environmental stimuli. Furthermore, patients may be susceptible to future emotional disorders.

Enhancing learning outcomes through multisensory integration: A fMRI study of audio-visual training in virtual reality

The integration of information from different sensory modalities is a fundamental process that enhances perception and performance in real and virtual environments (VR). Understanding these mechanisms, especially during learning tasks that exploit novel multisensory cue combinations provides opportunities for the development of new rehabilitative interventions.This study aimed to investigate how functional brain changes support behavioural performance improvements during an audio-visual (AV) learning task. Twenty healthy participants underwent a 30 min daily VR training for four weeks. The task was an AV adaptation of a ‘scanning training’ paradigm that is commonly used in hemianopia rehabilitation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and performance data were collected at baseline, after two and four weeks of training, and four weeks post-training.We show that behavioural performance, operationalised as mean reaction time reduction in VR, significantly improves. In separate tests in a controlled laboratory environment, we showed that the behavioural performance gains in the VR training environment transferred to a significant mean RT reduction for the trained AV voluntary task on a computer screen. Enhancements were observed in both the visual-only and AV conditions, with the latter demonstrating a faster response time supported by the presence of audio cues. The behavioural learning effect also transfers to two additional tasks that were tested: a visual search task and an involuntary visual task.Our fMRI results reveal an increase in functional activation (BOLD signal) in multisensory brain regions involved in early-stage AV processing: the thalamus, the caudal inferior parietal lobe and cerebellum. These functional changes were only observed for the trained, multisensory, task and not for unimodal visual stimulation. Functional activation changes in the thalamus were significantly correlated to behavioural performance improvements.This study demonstrates that incorporating spatial auditory cues to voluntary visual training in VR leads to augmented brain activation changes in multisensory integration, resulting in measurable performance gains across tasks. The findings highlight the potential of VR-based multisensory training as an effective method for enhancing cognitive function and as a potentially valuable tool in rehabilitative programmes.

The co-activation pattern between the DMN and other brain networks affects the cognition of older adults: evidence from naturalistic stimulation fMRI data.

Brain function changes affect cognitive functions in older adults, yet the relationship between cognition and the dynamic changes of brain networks during naturalistic stimulation is not clear. Here, we recruited the young, middle-aged and older groups from the Cambridge Center for Aging and Neuroscience to investigate the relationship between dynamic metrics of brain networks and cognition using functional magnetic resonance imaging data during movie-watching. We found six reliable co-activation pattern (CAP) states of brain networks grouped into three pairs with opposite activation patterns in three age groups. Compared with young and middle-aged adults, older adults dwelled shorter time in CAP state 4 with deactivated default mode network (DMN) and activated salience, frontoparietal and dorsal-attention networks (DAN), and longer time in state 6 with deactivated DMN and activated DAN and visual network, suggesting altered dynamic interaction between DMN and other brain networks might contribute to cognitive decline in older adults. Meanwhile, older adults showed easier transfer from state 6 to state 3 (activated DMN and deactivated sensorimotor network), suggesting that the fragile antagonism between DMN and other cognitive networks might contribute to cognitive decline in older adults. Our findings provided novel insights into aberrant brain network dynamics associated with cognitive decline.

Neuroimaging and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Among Individuals With Complex Congenital Heart Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Although neuroimaging advances have deepened our understanding of brain health in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD), it is less clear how neuroimaging findings relate to neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. We systematically synthesized and critically evaluated evidence on associations between neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental, neurocognitive, psychiatric, or behavioral outcomes among individuals with transposition of great arteries or single-ventricle CHD (Protocol CRD42021229617). Six databases were searched and 45 papers from 25 unique studies were identified. Structural brain injury was generally linked to poorer neurodevelopment in infancy. Brain volumes and microstructural and functional brain changes appear linked to neurocognitive outcomes, including deficits in attention, learning, memory, and executive function in children and adolescents. Fetal neuroimaging studies were limited. Four papers investigated psychiatric outcomes; none found associations with neuroimaging. Multicenter, longitudinal studies incorporating functional neuroimaging and mental health outcomes are much-needed to inform early neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies in CHD.

Cognitive and Functional Connectivity Outcomes from a Phase I Trial of Accelerated High‐Dose Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Amnestic MCI

AbstractBackgroundRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), most widely used to treat depression, may have secondary benefits for cognition. Accelerated high‐dose protocols such as intermittent theta burst (iTBS)‐rTMS shorten the treatment course by &gt;50%, potentially improving the feasibility of use in patients with cognitive impairments. Here, we present the results of a phase I trial of iTBS‐rTMS for improving cognition in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and we explore whether functional brain changes relate to improved cognition.MethodTwenty‐two patients with clinically diagnosed aMCI received 24 sessions of open‐label iTBS‐rTMS to left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l‐dlPFC) over 3 days. Nineteen had complete brain MRI and cognitive testing pre‐ and immediately post‐treatment. The primary cognitive outcome was the norm‐adjusted fluid cognition composite T‐score from the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Resting‐state functional connectivity was computed from subject‐specific parcellations mapped to each individual’s functional topology. We examined changes in connectivity within and between the FPN (of with the l‐dlPFC is a hub) and networks implicated in cognition (FPN, dorsal and ventral attention, limbic, default mode). We assessed whether connectivity changes (post minus pre) related to change in fluid cognition.ResultWe achieved a high retention rate of 95%. Treatment with iTBS‐rTMS was safe, with no adverse neuroradiological, neuropsychiatric, or neurocognitive effects. Side effects were minimal and acceptability ratings were high. Treatment produced significant, large effect size (d = 0.98) improvements in fluid cognition (Fig. 1A), and we observed preliminary evidence of related changes in functional connectivity. Specifically, there was a numerical increase in within‐FPN connectivity and a marginally significant increase in connectivity between cognitive networks (Fig. 1B). Further, there was a medium‐strength and marginally significant association between increased within‐FPN connectivity and improved fluid cognition (Fig. 1C).ConclusionThis phase I trial demonstrated that iTBS‐rTMS is safe, feasible, and acceptable in aMCI. Although not dosed for efficacy, we observed large improvements in fluid cognition and preliminary evidence of increased functional connectivity in expected brain networks that related to improved cognition. These promising results support iTBS‐rTMS as potentially efficacious in improving cognition in aMCI, directly informing larger, planned follow‐up randomized controlled phase II trials.

Analysis of brain functions in the older adults: A Systematic Review on functional near‐infrared spectroscopy

AbstractBackgroundAs the aging phenomenon accelerates worldwide, cognitive health and improvement of the older adults are emerging as important issues. This study was conducted to obtain implications for future clinical and research directions related to elderly cognition by examining studies that identified the brain function of the elderly using brain activation or functional connectivity.MethodThree databases(Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed) were used to collect literature for a total of five years from January 2018 to December 2022. Using “(“older adult*” OR “elderly”) AND “fNIRS” AND (“functional activation” OR “functional connectivity”)” as the search term, we selected and analyzed the final 8 literature that matched the selection criteria and exclusion criteria of this study.ResultThere were 5 cases targeting healthy older adults and 3 cases for the older adults with mild cognitive impairment, and the most active study in China was shown. In addition, a total of six types of NIRS systems were used to explore brain function in the elderly, and five studies confirmed that the NIRS system produced in Japan was used. In the case of the number of channels used, it had a wide range of 14 to 48, and there were only two studies showing functional connectivity.ConclusionThis study confirmed that it is possible to identify the cognitive function of the older adults using fNIRS, and at the same time, few studies have measured functional connectivity. Since brain regions do not work independently, it is essential to understand functional connectivity that identifies functional integration between brain regions that share similar functions, even if they are located apart. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is believed that a better understanding of functional brain changes can be achieved if brain activation and functional connectivity are also identified when conducting cognitive‐related research in the elderly using fNIRS in the future.

Interventional clinical trial findings from targeted multiday repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat memory loss in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

AbstractBackgroundMemory loss is the hallmark cognitive symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and it affects independence, autonomy, and identity. AD‐related memory deficits are associated with pathological changes in brain structure and function, and current treatments offer limited relief. Targeted repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of AD‐vulnerable intrinsic brain networks can enhance memory abilities in healthy adults (Wang et al., 2014). To test rTMS approaches as a potential treatment for clinical memory loss, we administered a local clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov #alz078533) that enrolled patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a frequent precursor to AD (target enrollment of 16). Here, we report cognitive and brain findings from our trial.MethodsPatients with aMCI completed two weeklong interventions consisting of pre‐stimulation brain and cognitive measurement, rTMS for five consecutive days, and post‐stimulation brain and cognitive measurement. Brain measures included structural and resting‐state functional MRI data; cognitive assessments included measures of memory function. Interventions were identically formatted except for rTMS intensity (treatment/sham). Stimulation used β‐frequency pulse sequences which alternated 2‐sec. 20 Hz stimulation with 28‐sec. rest for 20 min (1600 pulses); stimulation location was a left lateral parietal cortex location coactive with a hippocampus‐centered functional network. Stimulation intensity varied with each participant’s resting motor threshold (treatment, 100%; sham, 10%). Condition order was counterbalanced.ResultsWe identified hippocampus‐centered networks in each participant, then localized parietal rTMS targets. Critically, we observed changes in brain and cognitive (memory) measures in the treatment‐intensity condition that were not observed in the sham‐intensity condition. Furthermore, we observed changes in intrinsic network connectivity within the stimulated hippocampus‐centered network.ConclusionsOur trial of patients with aMCI measured changes in brain and cognitive variables after rTMS of a brain network supporting memory processes. We found evidence consistent with neural plasticity, and we frequently observed memory improvement in patients with aMCI after treatment‐intensity rTMS. Our findings suggest that rTMS can improve memory in clinical populations. This is important because, counterintuitively, new disease modifying therapies for AD may increase need for symptomatic treatment of memory loss due to prolongation of prodromal/mild stages of AD. Thus, adjuvant therapies such as rTMS for memory loss could improve AD treatment outcomes.

Mediterranean diet protects against neuroinflammation and degeneration in female nonhuman primates

AbstractBackgroundMediterranean diets may reduce Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk and preserve cognitive function relative to Western diets in part by protecting against neuroinflammation. In middle‐aged humans that subsequently develop AD, increased cortical thickness precedes atrophy. It is hypothesized that the initial increase in brain volumes may be due to early neuroinflammation that precedes neurodegeneration (Pegueroles et al. Alzheimers Dement 2017). Long term impacts of diet patterns on health are difficult to quantify in human beings. Thus, we addressed this hypothesis in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), a nonhuman primate that undergoes age‐related changes in brain structure and function, and responds to Western diets, like humans.Method38 middle‐aged (mean = 12 years of age) female macaques were fed a Western or Mediterranean diet for 2.5 years in a randomized nonhuman primate trial. Changes from baseline in volumes of total brain, gray, cortical gray, and white matter, cerebrospinal fluid and (CSF), were determined by structural MRI. We also generated thickness‐based AD temporoparietal meta‐ROIs based on the AD clinical literature as previously described (Frye et al., 2021 Alzheimers Dement. 2021;17:733). Transcriptional profiles in the temporal cortex were determined at the end of the study by RNAseq.ResultWestern diet led to increases in temporoparietal cortical thicknesses, total brain and gray matter volumes, and diminished cerebrospinal fluid and white matter volumes. Diet significantly altered expression of seven genes (FDR&lt;0.05). The Mediterranean group had lower expression of CDK14, a proinflammatory regulator, and higher expression of BTN2A1, KATNB1, LFNG, MRC2, SLCA32, and TMEM268, many of which have anti‐inflammatory associations. Several differentially expressed genes were correlated with AD‐relevant brain volumes. CDK14 was positively correlated with total brain, total gray, and cortical gray matter volumes and temporoparietal cortical thickness (Figure, Mediterranean = yellow), and negatively correlated with total white matter and CSF volumes. LFNG, MRC2, and SLCA32 were negatively correlated with total brain, total gray, and cortical gray matter volume, as well as temporoparietal cortical thickness, and positively correlated with CSF volume (all p’s&lt;0.05).ConclusionThese results suggest that the Mediterranean diet protects against, whereas the Western diet promotes, AD‐relevant neuroinflammation associated with early increases in gray matter volumes.