Relationship between finger movement characteristics and voxel-based specific regional analysis systems for Alzheimer’s disease

Background Aging is the most significant risk factor of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60%–80% of all dementia cases in elderly individuals. This study aimed to examine the relationship between finger movements and brain function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, using VSRAD, and explore the relationship between VSRAD and cognitive function (MoCA-J). Methods Patients diagnosed with AD, at the Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders, were included in the study. The diagnostic criteria were based on the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association. Patients were excluded based on set criteria. A finger-tapping device was used for all measurements. Participants performed the following task, in order: non-dominant hand, dominant hand, simultaneously, and alternate hands. Movements were measured for 15 s each. The relationship between distance and output was measured. MRI measurements were performed, after which VSRAD was performed using sagittal section 3D T1-weighted images. The Z-score was used to calculate the degree of atrophy. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the Z-score and mean values of the parameters in the finger-tapping movements. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Sixty-two patients were included in the study. Z-scores for MoCA-J analysis, percentage of total brain atrophy in the white matter, and other VSRAD parameters showed varying negative correlations (r = -0. 28, p = 0. 035, r = -0. 31, p = 0. 020, and r = -0. 52, p < 0. 001), respectively. Varying positive correlations between Z-score and the SD of distance rate of velocity peak in extending movements in the non-dominant hand were observed. Conclusion The SD of distance rate of velocity peak in extending movements and the Z-score showed a significant relationship. An association between neuropsychological tests and overall degree of brain atrophy was also observed. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement Tomohiko Mizuguchi is an employee of Maxell, Ltd. Tomohiko Mizuguchi wasinvolved in planning and reviewing the study design and analyzing the data.National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology conducts joint research with Maxell, Ltd. This study is funded by Maxell, Ltd. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: This study was conducted with the approval of the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (approval number: 1485-2). I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes All relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files.