Association between cerebral metabolism and Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test performance in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

The copy condition of the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) is sensitive to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, but its neural correlates remain unclear. We used fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG–PET) to elucidate this association in 77 patients with probable AD. We observed a correlation between ROCF and metabolic rate of bilateral temporal–parietal cortex and occipital lobe, and right frontal lobe. Global and local elements of the ROCF correlated with metabolic rate of these same regions. The copy approach correlated with right lateral temporal cortex. The ROCF appears reflective of posterior temporal–parietal cortex functioning, highlighting the role of visuospatial processing in constructional abilities in AD.

Keywords:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure
• Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
• Visuospatial
• Construction

Acknowledgments

Support was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (Merit Review to D. Sultzer and Career Development Award to R. Melrose) and National Institutes of Health (NIH; R01 MH56031). David Sultzer has received research grant support from Forest Research Institute. Potential conflicts to study participants were disclosed.