Attention Networks Connectivity After Cognitive Rehabilitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) enhances the autonomy of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Their daily activities are likely dependent on attention networks. Method This pilot resting-state fMRI study investigated the cerebral correlates of CR in participants with mild Alzheimer disease (n = 22), compared to a control intervention in patients (n = 21) and in healthy participants (n = 27). Connectivity changes between dorsal and ventral attention networks were expected after 3 months of rehabilitation. Results A mixed ANOVA comparing pre- and post-intervention data across groups revealed increased connectivity between the dorsal and the ventral attention network following CR (FDR-corrected P = .0072). A post hoc correlation analysis of post-intervention data in the CR group showed that greater autonomy in daily activities was associated with stronger functional relationship between the two attention networks (FDR-corrected P = .0001). Conclusion Enhanced connectivity between attention networks may be a characteristic of CR benefits in individuals with mild Alzheimer disease.