Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity Study Based on rs-fMRI in Patients with Primary Hypothyroidism

Motivation: Hypothyroidism causes cognitive impairments, but the temporal dynamics of brain functional connectivity in this condition are unclear. Goal(s): To examine temporal variability in brain functional connectivity in adult-onset hypothyroidism using dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) and its correlation with cognitive performance. Approach: Studied 51 hypothyroidism patients and 100 controls. Analyzed resting-state fMRI with sliding window techniques to assess dFNC. Evaluated cognitive function via neuropsychological tests. Results: Patients showed altered temporal brain connectivity: increased dwell time in weak states and decreased dwell time in strong states. Disease duration positively correlated with dwell time in weak states. Impact: This study provides new insights into how hypothyroidism alters the temporal dynamics of brain connectivity, enhancing our understanding of its neurobiological impact and potentially informing targeted interventions to mitigate cognitive decline in affected individuals.