SoCoSCA Research Project

Social Cognition deficits in SpinoCerebellar Ataxia : A neuropsychological and neuroimaging study

Group :  Information, Signal, Image and Life Sciences

Labelling: none

Duration: (2024 - 2028 )

Funding: ANR

Staff involved from LARIS: Mickael DINOMAIS

Project partners: LPPL (University of Angers - Head), IMT Atlantique, University Hospital of Angers

Aim and objectives

Autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (ASCs) are a group of rare disorders resulting from degeneration of the cerebellum and cerebellar connections. These lesions are thought to cause impairments that are not limited to sensorimotor functions, but would also affect socio-cognitive abilities.

This project aims to :

•     characterize the socio-cognitive profiles of ASC patients,
•     characterize structural and functional abnormalities in cerebellar regions and connections, and assess how these abnormalities are associated with social-cognitive profiles,
•     compare these neuroanatomical and social-cognitive profiles with social-behavioural regulation capacities.

The SoCoSCA project will thus contribute to a better understanding of the neuroanatomical basis of social alterations in patients with CSA, and may provide recommendations for appropriate management.