Iron deposition is associated with motor and non-motor network breakdown in Parkinsonism

Motivation: The relationship between iron deposition and brain network changes in Parkinsonism ,and effects on specific symptoms and cognitive function remain unclear. Goal(s): To explore the relationship between those imaging markers and clinical presentations, as well as the association between iron deposition and brain network changes. Approach: QSM was performed to quantify iron deposition in deep nuclei. Brain networks were segregated using rs-fMRI data. Results: There is significantly different pattern of iron deposition among MSA, PD and PSP. Cerebellar network and language networks showed statistically differently. Impairment of cerebellar network and language network are associated with motor syndromes and cognitive dysfunction. Impact: This study is one of the first to report the association between iron deposition and network dysfunction in Parkinsonian disorders. The findings placed emphasis on language network disruption in movement disorders, which may serve as initial clue for further investigations.