NODDI revealed white matter microstructural changes are associated with global function and cognition decline in Schizophrenia Patients

Motivation: Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder with cognitive and behavioral disruptions. Previous studies have reported the abnormalities of white matter, but elucidating the biological mechanisms remains a challenge. Goal(s): To investigate the changes of white matter in schizophrenia patients and correlate with changes of neuropsychological function. Approach: NODDI was adopted to quantify the changes of neurite orientation and extracellular free water in white matter among schizophrenia patients. The correlation analyses between image indices and neuropsychological scale scores were performed. Results: Significant changes of brain microstructure, particularly in the fornix with schizophrenia, was observed. Those changes were correlated with global function and cognition decline. Impact: This study demonstrated abnormalities of white matter microstructure, especially in the fornix, among individuals with schizophrenia. NODDI could become a potential technique for finding biomarker in revealing the pathophysiological process of the disorder.