Association between cerebral metabolism and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test performance in Alzheimer's disease

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2013;35(3):246-58. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2012.763113. Epub 2013 Feb 7.

Abstract

The copy condition of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) is sensitive to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, but its neural correlates remain unclear. We used fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to elucidate this association in 77 patients with probable AD. We observed a correlation between ROCF and metabolic rate of bilateral temporal-parietal cortex and occipital lobe, and right frontal lobe. Global and local elements of the ROCF correlated with metabolic rate of these same regions. The copy approach correlated with right lateral temporal cortex. The ROCF appears reflective of posterior temporal-parietal cortex functioning, highlighting the role of visuospatial processing in constructional abilities in AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Female
  • Functional Neuroimaging
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Radionuclide Imaging