Shared and distinct neural correlates of reading and attention

[marissa-marko]

Research question(s)

1. Are there neural correlates of reading and attention in the ABCD dataset?
2. Are there overlapping (or shared) neural correlates of reading and attention that can be identified as a potential neural risk factor for comorbidity? Or are neural correlates relatively distinct?
3. Does processing speed moderate the relationship between neural correlates of reading and attention?

Description

Reading disorders and attention disorders often present as comorbid with rates higher than chance (Boada, Willcutt, & Pennington, 2012). According to the multiple deficit model (MDM, also known as multiple factors model; see Pennington, 2006), comorbidity occurs from disorders sharing multiple risk factors at various levels of analysis, including behavioral and neural. Most neuroimaging research in the field of reading and attention disorders has not specifically investigated shared risk factors, especially in a dimensional dataset. Instead, studies often explore "pure" groups, which include individuals who only meet criteria for reading disorder or attention disorder. This approach predisposes statistical analyses to detect differences rather than overlaps (e.g. contrasts vs conjunctions).

Processing speed deficits are often associated with reading and attention disorders, and processing speed scores can predict both single word reading and inattention scores (McGrath et al., 2011). This evidence suggests that processing speed may moderate both reading and attention skills.

The aim of this project is to investigate distinct and overlapping neural correlates of reading and attention using the ABCD cohort as a dimensional dataset. This project will explore correlations between resting state functional connectivity and behavioral measures of reading and attention, including the NIH Cognitive Toolbox's oral reading recognition and flanker inhibitory control and attention measures. Furthermore, this project will determine if there are any moderating effects of processing speed on reading and attention neural correlates by employing the pattern comparison processing speed test.

Tools and algorithms to be used

As I am new to this myself, I'm open to any suggestions! My lab has a past history of approaching this type of question with MVPA (CONN toolbox) and a conjunction analysis in SPM. I was hoping to learn how to do CCA if anyone is knowledgeable in that area and thinks it can be useful here.

Skills we could use help with

Replicable workflows
Docker
Any focus on replicability and sticking to FAIR principles

Suggested keywords/tags

Reading
Attention
Processing speed
Comorbidity
Functional connectivity

[tsalo]

Would you mind adding a bit of information about the planned analyses, necessary skills, and skills you could use help with in this project? It should make it easier for prospective collaborators to determine how and if they can contribute. Specifically, our new template has sections named "Tools and algorithms to be used", "Skills we could use help with", and "Link to analysis plan" (if you have been working on a more detailed plan than would fit in this issue).

[amaiacc]

Hi! I'm interested in this project and would love to contribute.
Unfortunately, I'm not a neuroimaging person so cannot help guiding that part. I'm eager to learn though!
I'm a geneticist and I'm currently using the genetic data in the ABCD. If interested, we could add a genetics section to the study, in order to assess if any shared reading/attention brain correlates at the phenotypic level do also have a genetic relationship with these traits.

[marissa-marko]

That sounds like a great addition! I would definitely like to learn more about how to analyze the genetic data, and it sounds like these ideas would mesh very well.