MRI Assessment of Intrinsic Neural Timescale and Gray Matter Volume in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Motivation: Addressing the neglected cognitive and neuropsychiatric aspects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), this study targets the unexplored neural processing capabilities and anatomical brain changes in DMD patients. Goal(s): To evaluate cognitively related neurobiomarkers in DMD patients using advanced MRI techniques, intrinsic neural timescale (INT) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Approach: A dual-methodological approach was applied to 66 subjects, including 36 DMD patients and 30 healthy controls, to evaluate both the functional neural processing capabilities and structural gray matter volumes. Results: The study identified distinct neural and volumetric alterations in DMD patients, with specific brain regions correlating to cognitive function. Impact: This research provided a comprehensive DMD neurobiological profile. The identification of neurobiomarkers through advanced MRI techniques could facilitate early diagnosis of cognitive issues in DMD, guide personalized treatments, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with DMD.