Attentional networks in neurodegenerative diseases: anatomical and functional evidence from the Attention Network Test

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding alterations to brain anatomy and cognitive function associated with neurodegenerative diseases remains a challenge for neuroscience today. In experimental neuroscience, several computerised tests have been developed to contribute to our understanding of neural networks involved in cognition. The Attention Network Test (ANT) enables us to measure the activity of 3 attentional networks (alertness, orienting, and executive function).

Objectives: The main aim of this review is to describe all the anatomical and functional alterations found in diverse neurological diseases using the ANT.

Material and methods: We collected studies published since 2010 in the PubMed database that employed the ANT in different neurological diseases. Thirty-two articles were obtained, addressing multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease, among other disorders.

Conclusions: Some of the anatomical structures proposed in the 3 attentional networks model were confirmed. The most relevant structures in the alertness network are the prefrontal cortex, parietal region, thalamus, and cerebellum. The thalamus is also relevant in the orienting network, together with posterior parietal regions. The executive network does not depend exclusively on the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, but also involves such subcortical structures as the basal ganglia and cerebellum and their projections towards the entire cortex.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Attention Network Test; Demencia por cuerpos de Lewy; Enfermedad de Alzheimer; Enfermedad de Parkinson; Epilepsia; Epilepsy; Esclerosis múltiple; Lewy body dementia; Multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s disease.