Basal forebrain and spatial navigation in neurodegenerative diseases
Spatial navigation deficits are commonly observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) but are not typically associated with frontotemporal dementia or limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy.
Basal forebrain degeneration occurs in all these major neurodegenerative diseases. However, disruption of basal forebrain projections and related cholinergic deficits is primarily observed in AD and LBD, where these changes are linked to cognitive impairments.
Although the relationship between basal forebrain degeneration and spatial navigation deficits has not been extensively investigated, current evidence suggests a potential link between the two in AD and LBD, likely mediated by alterations in the medial temporal lobe and cortical regions. Clarifying these associations could enhance the development of therapeutic strategies and personalised treatment approaches.
https://www.cell.com/trends/neurosciences/fulltext/S0166-2236(26)00165-7
