The Correlation Between Middle Frontal Gyrus Cortical Thickness and Working Memory in First-episode Treatment-naïve Major Depressive Disorder

Background: Cognitive impairment is regarded as a pivotal symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Previous studies have indicated the presence of abnormalities in cortical thickness (CT) in patients with MDD. However, the relationship between cognitive performance and CT abnormalities in patients with MDD remains unclear. Our study purposed to survey the changes in CT in patients with MDD and their relationship with cognitive impairment. Methods: A total of 105 patients with first-episode treatment-naïve MDD and 53 healthy controls (HCs) received T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a series of neuropsychological tests. Initially the differences in CT and cognitive performance between patients with MDD and HCs were contrasted. Subsequently, the correlation between CT and cognitive performance were analyzed for significant changes. Results: All five cognitive dimensions were significantly different between patients with MDD and HCs. Meanwhile, the CT of the bilateral precentral gyri and right middle frontal gyrus were reduced in the MDD group. Besides, the CT of the right middle frontal gyrus shows a positive relationship with working memory dimension scores of the MDD group. Conclusion: CT abnormalities in patients with MDD are correlated with cognitive performance.