Alterations in right posterior hippocampus in early blind individuals.
This study compares hippocampal volumes of early blind and sex/age-matched sighted controls through volumetric and localization analyses. Early blind individuals showed a significantly smaller right posterior hippocampus compared with controls. No differences in total hippocampal volumes were found between groups and there were no within-group differences for left versus right hippocampus. Sex, age and total brain grey matter volume had no effect on hippocampal volumes. Although extensive navigational training results in structural enhancement of the hippocampus for the sighted, the reduction of the posterior hippocampus in early blind individuals suggests the implication of this region in visual spatial memory.
Chebat
Daniel-Robert
DR
Harland Sanders Research Chair, School of Optometry, University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
Chen
Jan-Kai
JK
Schneider
Fabien
F
Ptito
Alain
A
Kupers
Ron
R
Ptito
Maurice
M
D000328:Adult; D001766:Blindness / Q000473:pathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities