Abstract Body: Background
Ischemic thalamic stroke often leads to cognitive and emotional dysfunctions, yet the link between these deficits and structural brain changes remains unclear. This study explores the association between gray matter volume alterations and neuropsychological assessments in ischemic thalamic stroke patients, aiming to elucidate the structural basis of neuropsychiatric deficits.
Methods
Patients with first-time unilateral ischemic thalamic stroke were recruited from West China Hospital, Sichuan University (October 2021 - December 2023). Inclusion criteria included MRI-confirmed diagnosis, subacute phase (7 days to 1 month), completion of cognitive and structural MRI evaluations, and informed consent. MRI scans were processed using CAT12 and SPM12. Cognitive assessments included MoCA-BJ, STT, Stroop, and CAVLT tests; psychological status was evaluated using HAMA and HAMD scales. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression analyzed the relationship between gray matter volume (170 ROIs) and neuropsychological scores (11 indicators). Data were standardized, with the optimal number of components determined by MSE using 5-fold cross-validation. Model performance was assessed using R2.
Results
PLS regression revealed significant associations between gray matter volume and neuropsychological outcomes. The optimal number of components was determined to be two through 5-fold cross-validation, with the model showing good fit as indicated by the R2 and residual plots. Specific brain regions, including the Left Inferior Parietal Gyrus (lIPG), Right Cerebellar Lobule VI (rCER6), and Right Cerebellar Crus I (rCERCRU1), were significantly associated with cognitive and emotional assessment scores. VIP scores and loading matrix analyses highlighted these regions as key areas.
Conclusions
This study, using PLS regression, identifies significant relationships between gray matter volume changes and neuropsychological assessments in ischemic thalamic stroke patients. Key regions such as lIPG, rCER6, and rCERCRU1 are closely linked to cognitive and emotional functions, including attention, spatial cognition, memory, and emotional regulation. These findings provide critical insights into the structural basis of neuropsychiatric deficits post-stroke and support the development of personalized rehabilitation strategies. Future research should validate these regions' roles across rehabilitation stages and explore targeted interventions.