scholarly journals Increased perception-action binding in Tourette syndrome

Brain ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (6) ◽  
pp. 1934-1945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Kleimaker ◽  
Adam Takacs ◽  
Giulia Conte ◽  
Rebecca Onken ◽  
Julius Verrel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Event File ◽  
Cognitive Framework ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Feature Overlap ◽  
Sensory Processes ◽  
Perception Action

Abstract Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics. Research in Tourette syndrome has traditionally focused on the motor system. However, there is increasing evidence that perceptual and cognitive processes play a crucial role as well. Against this background it has been reasoned that processes linking perception and action might be particularly affected in these patients with the strength of perception-action binding being increased. However, this has not yet been studied experimentally. Here, we investigated adult Tourette patients within the framework of the ‘Theory of Event Coding’ using an experimental approach allowing us to directly test the strength of perception-action binding. We included 24 adult patients with Tourette syndrome and n = 24 healthy control subjects using a previously established visual-motor event file task with four levels of feature overlap requiring repeating or alternating responses. Concomitant to behavioural testing, EEG was recorded and analysed using temporal signal decomposition and source localization methods. On a behavioural level, perception-action binding was increased in Tourette patients. Tic frequency correlated with performance in conditions where unbinding processes of previously established perception-action bindings were required with higher tic frequency being associated with stronger perception-action binding. This suggests that perception-action binding is intimately related to the occurrence of tics. Analysis of EEG data showed that behavioural changes cannot be explained based on simple perceptual or motor processes. Instead, cognitive processes linking perception to action in inferior parietal cortices are crucial. Our findings suggest that motor or sensory processes alone are less relevant for the understanding of Tourette syndrome than cognitive processes engaged in linking and restructuring of perception-action association. A broader cognitive framework encompassing perception and action appears well suited to opening new routes for the understanding of Tourette syndrome.

scholarly journals Somatosensory perception–action binding in Tourette syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Friedrich ◽  
Henriette Spaleck ◽  
Ronja Schappert ◽  
Maximilian Kleimaker ◽  
Julius Verrel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Main Hypothesis ◽  
Stimulus Response ◽  
Cognitive Framework ◽  
Tactile Stimuli ◽  
Stimulus Saliency ◽  
Somatosensory Stimulus ◽  
Visual Domain ◽  
External Stimuli ◽  
Perception Action

AbstractIt is a common phenomenon that somatosensory sensations can trigger actions to alleviate experienced tension. Such “urges” are particularly relevant in patients with Gilles de la Tourette (GTS) syndrome since they often precede tics, the cardinal feature of this common neurodevelopmental disorder. Altered sensorimotor integration processes in GTS as well as evidence for increased binding of stimulus- and response-related features (“hyper-binding”) in the visual domain suggest enhanced perception–action binding also in the somatosensory modality. In the current study, the Theory of Event Coding (TEC) was used as an overarching cognitive framework to examine somatosensory-motor binding. For this purpose, a somatosensory-motor version of a task measuring stimulus–response binding (S-R task) was tested using electro-tactile stimuli. Contrary to the main hypothesis, there were no group differences in binding effects between GTS patients and healthy controls in the somatosensory-motor paradigm. Behavioral data did not indicate differences in binding between examined groups. These data can be interpreted such that a compensatory “downregulation” of increased somatosensory stimulus saliency, e.g., due to the occurrence of somatosensory urges and hypersensitivity to external stimuli, results in reduced binding with associated motor output, which brings binding to a “normal” level. Therefore, “hyper-binding” in GTS seems to be modality-specific.

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Kleimaker ◽  
Alexander Kleimaker ◽  
Christian Beste ◽  
Soyoung Q. Park ◽  
Alexander Maximilian Münchau
Keyword(s):  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
General Concept ◽  
Neural Code ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorder ◽  
Event File ◽  
Sensorimotor Processing ◽  
Event Files ◽  
Theory Of Event Coding ◽  
Vocal Tics

Abstract. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a common, multifaceted neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics. Although numerous neuroanatomical and neurophysiological particularities have been documented, there is no general concept or overarching theory to explain the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome. Given the premonitory urges that precede tics and the altered sensorimotor processing in Tourette syndrome, the “Theory of Event Coding” (TEC) seems to be an attractive framework. TEC assumes that perceptions and actions are bound together and encoded using the same neural code to form so-called “event files.” Depending on the strength of the binding between perception and action, partial repetition of features of an event file can lead to increasing cost because existing event files need to be reconfigured. This is referred to as “partial repetition costs”, which appear to be increased in Tourette patients. This indicates stronger binding within “event files” in Tourette.

Developmental Trajectories of Sensorimotor and Cognitive Control in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-237
Author(s):  
Shu-Chen Li ◽  
Roxane Dilcher ◽  
Alexander Münchau
Keyword(s):  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Response Selection ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Perception Action ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract. The relationship between tics and preceding urges in Tourette syndrome suggests that abnormal internal monitoring is reflected in abnormal perceptual, attentional, and response selection. This article uses the theory of event coding to conceptualize Tourette syndrome as a disorder of the integration of perception and action. Given that Tourette syndrome is a prototypical neurodevelopmental disorder with a characteristic clinical course in childhood and early adolescence, we focus on reviewing developmental trajectories of perception-action binding and their neural correlates in Tourette and healthy controls with a view toward the dopaminergic system. Future cross-sectional and longitudinal research systematically comparing typical development and Tourette-related alterations of neurophysiological correlates underlying perception-action binding may shed light on individual differences in the clinical course in adolescence and adulthood.

Neuropharmacological Interventions and Event File Coding in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-229
Author(s):  
Adam Takacs ◽  
Annet Bluschke ◽  
Alexander Münchau ◽  
Christian Beste
Keyword(s):  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Neural Systems ◽  
Cortical Circuits ◽  
Event File ◽  
Cognitive Characteristic

Abstract. Alterations in the integration of perception and action have been proposed as a core cognitive characteristic of GTS. However, to date it is unknown how neuropharmacological interventions used to treat GTS affect the neural systems related to perception and action integration. Here, we introduce an integrated neuropsychopharmacological perspective to address this question. Specifically, we consider the relevant abnormalities in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits. Furthermore, we highlight how GTS medication might affect the integration of perception and action in the context of event file coding.

scholarly journals Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome—A Disorder of Action-Perception Integration

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Kleimaker ◽  
Maximilian Kleimaker ◽  
Tobias Bäumer ◽  
Christian Beste ◽  
Alexander Münchau
Keyword(s):  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Sensorimotor Integration ◽  
Action Perception ◽  
Motor Movement ◽  
Comprehensive Theory ◽  
External Stimuli ◽  
Cardinal Feature ◽  
Perception Action

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a multifaceted and complex neuropsychiatric disorder. Given that tics as motor phenomena are the defining and cardinal feature of Tourette syndrome, it has long been conceptualized as a motor/movement disorder. However, considering premonitory urges preceding tics, hypersensitivity to external stimuli and abnormalities in sensorimotor integration perceptual processes also seem to be relevant in the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome. In addition, tic expression depends on attention and tics can, at least partly and transiently, be controlled, so that cognitive processes need to be considered as well. Against this background, explanatory concepts should encompass not only the motor phenomenon tic but also perceptual and cognitive processes. Representing a comprehensive theory of the processing of perceptions and actions paying particular attention to their interdependency and the role of cognitive control, the Theory of Event Coding seems to be a suitable conceptual framework for the understanding of Tourette syndrome. In fact, recent data suggests that addressing the relation between actions (i.e., tics) and perceptions (i.e., sensory phenomena like premonitory urges) in the context of event coding allows to gaining relevant insights into perception-action coding in Tourette syndrome indicating that perception action binding is abnormally strong in this disorder.

scholarly journals Elevated Expression of SLC6A4 Encoding the Serotonin Transporter (SERT) in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Mathis Hildonen ◽  
Amanda M. Levy ◽  
Christina Dahl ◽  
Victoria A. Bjerregaard ◽  
Lisbeth Birk Møller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Serotonin Transporter ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Elevated Expression ◽  
Gene Expression Levels

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Most of the GTS individuals have comorbid diagnoses, of which obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the most common. Several neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in disease pathogenesis, and amongst these, the dopaminergic and the serotonergic pathways are the most widely studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene (SLC6A4) was differentially expressed among GTS individuals compared to healthy controls, and whether DNA variants (the SERT-linked polymorphic region 5-HTTLPR, together with the associated rs25531 and rs25532 variants, and the rare Ile425Val variant) or promoter methylation of SLC6A4 were associated with gene expression levels or with the presence of OCD as comorbidity. We observed that SLC6A4 expression is upregulated in GTS individuals compared to controls. Although no specific genotype, allele or haplotype was overrepresented in GTS individuals compared to controls, we observed that the LAC/LAC genotype of the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531/rs25532 three-locus haplotype was associated with higher SLC6A4 mRNA expression levels in GTS individuals, but not in the control group.

scholarly journals Temporal discounting in adolescents and adults with Tourette syndrome

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253620
Author(s):  
Canan Beate Schüller ◽  
Ben Jonathan Wagner ◽  
Thomas Schüller ◽  
Juan Carlos Baldermann ◽  
Daniel Huys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Temporal Discounting ◽  
Hyperbolic Discounting ◽  
Developmental Trajectory ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Control Functions ◽  
Male Subjects

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with hyperactivity in dopaminergic networks. Dopaminergic hyperactivity in the basal ganglia has previously been linked to increased sensitivity to positive reinforcement and increases in choice impulsivity. In this study, we examine whether this extends to changes in temporal discounting, where impulsivity is operationalized as an increased preference for smaller-but-sooner over larger-but-later rewards. We assessed intertemporal choice in two studies including nineteen adolescents (age: mean[sd] = 14.21[±2.37], 13 male subjects) and twenty-five adult patients (age: mean[sd] = 29.88 [±9.03]; 19 male subjects) with Tourette syndrome and healthy age- and education matched controls. Computational modeling using exponential and hyperbolic discounting models via hierarchical Bayesian parameter estimation revealed reduced temporal discounting in adolescent patients, and no evidence for differences in adult patients. Results are discussed with respect to neural models of temporal discounting, dopaminergic alterations in Tourette syndrome and the developmental trajectory of temporal discounting. Specifically, adolescents might show attenuated discounting due to improved inhibitory functions that also affect choice impulsivity and/or the developmental trajectory of executive control functions. Future studies would benefit from a longitudinal approach to further elucidate the developmental trajectory of these effects.

Improving Discourse following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Tale of Two Treatments

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (05) ◽  
pp. 365-382
Author(s):  
Amy Henderson ◽  
Mackenzie A. Roeschlein ◽  
Heather Harris Wright
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Functional Communication ◽  
Discourse Production ◽  
Attention Process ◽  
Processing Treatment ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Attention Process Training

AbstractPersons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often present with discourse-level deficits that affect functional communication. These deficits are not thought to be primarily linguistic in nature but instead are thought to arise from the interaction of linguistic and cognitive processes. Discourse processing treatment (DPT) is a discourse-based treatment protocol which targets discourse deficits frequently seen in TBI. Attention Process Training-2 (APT-2) is a published treatment protocol which targets four levels of attention. The purpose of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of DPT and APT-2 in improving discourse production and cognition in adults with TBI. Our results suggest that DPT results in greater improvement in discourse informativeness and coherence, but the combination of DPT and APT-2 resulted in greater generalization to untrained stimuli. Both DPT and APT-2 appear to have some potential to improve cognition, but there was intersubject variability with regard to which treatment is more effective.

Theory of event coding: Interesting, but underspecified

2001 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 897-898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Oriet ◽  
Biljana Stevanovski ◽  
Pierre Jolicoeur
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Theory Of Event Coding ◽  
Perception Action ◽  
New Framework

The Theory of Event Coding (TEC) is a new framework for understanding interactions between perception and action. We are concerned that the theory is underspecified, showing that it can easily be used to make exactly opposite predictions. Precise specification of the time course of activation and binding is needed to make the theory useful for understanding the perception-action interface.

scholarly journals Beyond the Flesh: Some Lessons from a Mole Cricket

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 233-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Clark
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
States Of Affairs ◽  
Human Thought ◽  
Mole Cricket ◽  
Concrete Objects ◽  
Embodied Cognitive Science ◽  
High Level ◽  
Perception Action

What do linguistic symbols do for minds like ours, and how (if at all) can basic embodied, dynamical, and situated approaches do justice to high-level human thought and reason? These two questions are best addressed together, since our answers to the first may inform the second. The key move in scaling up simple embodied cognitive science is, I argue, to take very seriously the potent role of human-built structures in transforming the spaces of human learning and reason. In particular, in this article I look at a range of cases involving what I dub surrogate situations. Here, we actively create restricted artificial environments that allow us to deploy basic perception-action-reason routines in the absence of their proper objects. Examples include the use of real-world models, diagrams, and other concrete external symbols to support dense looping interactions with a variety of stable external structures that stand in for the absent states of affairs. Language itself, I finally suggest, is the most potent and fundamental form of such surrogacy. Words are both cheap stand-ins for gross behavioral outcomes, and the concrete objects that structure new spaces for basic forms of learning and reason. A good hard look at surrogate situatedness thus turns the standard skeptical challenge on its head. But it raises important questions concerning what really matters about these new approaches, and it helps focus what I see as the major challenge for the future: how, in detail, to conceptualize the role of symbols (both internal and external) in dynamical cognitive processes.

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