The correlation between white matter integrity and pragmatic language processing in first episode schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: Higher-order language disturbances could be the result of white matter tract abnormalities. The study explores the relationship between white matter and pragmatic skills in first-episode schizophrenia. Methods: Thirty-four first-episode patients with schizophrenia and 32 healthy subjects participated in a pragmatic language and Diffusion Tensor Imaging study, where fractional anisotropy of the arcuate fasciculus, corpus callosum and cingulum was correlated with the Polish version of the Right Hemisphere Language Battery. Results: The patients showed reduced fractional anisotropy in the right arcuate fasciculus, left anterior cingulum bundle and left forceps minor. Among the first episode patients, reduced understanding of written metaphors correlated with reduced fractional anisotropy of left forceps minor, and greater explanation of written and picture metaphors correlated with reduced fractional anisotropy of the left anterior cingulum. Conclusions: The white matter dysfunctions may underlie the pragmatic language impairment in schizophrenia. Our results shed further light on the functional neuroanatomical basis of pragmatic language use by patients with schizophrenia.

Neuroanatomical Features of NAA10- and NAA15-Related Neurodevelopmental Syndromes

“…Those with white matter hypoplasia or abnormalities of their white matter scored significantly lower than those without white matter abnormalities on the written sub-domain (reading and writing skills) portion of the Vineland exam. Current literature suggests white matter volume is correlated with the acquisition of language development in various disease states [46, 47]. Written language requires the coordination of several cortical and sub-cortical areas, so proper flow of information is required for proper written language learning [48].…”

White matter association tracts underlying language and theory of mind: An investigation of 809 brains from the Human Connectome Project

“…2 and 4 for additional visualizations of these tracts.) None of the white matter association tracts were excluded from this investigation because there is evidence to suggest that each of the white matter association tracts belonging to either the left or right hemisphere may be involved in subcomponents of language and/or ToM ( Almairac et al, 2015 ; Blom-Smink et al, 2020 ; Del Tufo et al, 2019 ; Fujie et al, 2008 ; Geschwind, 1970 ; Grosse Wiesmann et al, 2017 ; Herbet et al, 2014 ; Herbet et al, 2015; Houston et al, 2019 ; Luo et al, 2020 ; Makris and Pandya, 2009 ; Mandonnet et al, 2007 ; Nakajima et al, 2018; Pawełczyk et al, 2020 ; Philippi et al, 2009 ; Salvan et al, 2017 ; Saur et al, 2008 ; Thomas et al, 2008 ; Wang et al, 2013 ; Wilson et al, 2011 ). Therefore, as to not preclude finding a possible microstructural influence on assessments of language and ToM subcomponents, all the long-range association tracts in both hemispheres were investigated.…”

Qualitative Differences in Attribution of Mental States to Other People in Autism and Schizophrenia: What are the Tools for Differential Diagnosis?

“…Several studies highlighted that individuals with ASD and SSD exhibit atypical cognitive, language and social functioning (Mazza et al, 2008 ; Solomon et al, 2011 ). Moreover, some studies showed that deficit in ToM abilities may be associated with sematic-pragmatic language, which is compromised both in ASD and SSD (Bambini et al, 2016 ; Deliens et al, 2018 ; Mazza et al, 2008 ; Pawelczyk et al, 2020 ).…”