Yasaman Shahoseni

Presenter: Yasaman Shahoseni

Title: Spatial Analysis of Resting-State fMRI Dynamics in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Reveals an Association Between the Long-memory Parameter and Medication in Cerebellar Regions

Abstract:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition prevalent among both children and adults, marked by consistent patterns of inattentiveness, increased levels of activity, and impulsive behavior. Individuals with this disorder can face challenges in academic and professional settings, have issues in social and personal relationships, and have a higher probability of developing anxiety and depression. Evidence suggests that there is an association between altered brain activity patterns and ADHD symptoms. We develop an analysis that first maps the fractal properties of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) across the brain. The maps are based on the examination of the long-memory (LM) properties of rs-fMRI at each voxel using the discrete wavelet transform with Bayesian estimation. We then examine maps of estimated LM parameters and study their associations with ADHD score and
medication status. After adjusting for the ADHD score, We find strong evidence of a negative association between medication status and the LM parameter within cerebellar regions. These findings shed further light on previous neuroimaging studies of ADHD reporting associations between alterations in brain structure and medication in the cerebellum. Thus our findings provide a link between brain function, characterized through the long memory parameter, and structure in the relationship between medication for ADHD in cerebellar regions.