Cognitive profiling in relation to short latency afferent inhibition of frontal cortex in multiple system atrophy

Background: Cognitive dysfunction occurs in multiple system atrophy (MSA) more frequently than previously known. As a type of synucleinopathy, pathology spreads widely in cortical and subcortical areas as the disease advances. The exact anatomical and imaging substrates, and electrophysiological or biochemical indicators of cognitive impairment in MSA are not yet clear. Diminished short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) of motor cortex was shown to be an electrophysiological correlate of dementia and mild cognitive impairment associated to Parkinson's disease (PD). We hypothesize that it can also be electrophysiological correlate of cognitive impairment in MSA.