Abnormal information interaction in multilayer directed network based on cross-frequency integration of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been reported to result in abnormal cross-frequency integration. However, previous studies have failed to consider specific abnormalities in receiving and outputting information among frequency bands during integration. Here, we investigated heterogeneity in receiving and outputting information during cross-frequency integration in patients. The results showed that during cross-frequency integration, information interaction first increased and then decreased, manifesting in the heterogeneous distribution of inter-frequency nodes for receiving information. A possible explanation was that due to damage to some inter-frequency hub nodes, intra-frequency nodes gradually became new inter-frequency nodes, whereas original inter-frequency nodes gradually became new inter-frequency hub nodes. Notably, damage to the brain regions that receive information between layers was often accompanied by a strengthened ability to output information and the emergence of hub nodes for outputting information. Moreover, an important compensatory mechanism assisted in the reception of information in the cingulo-opercular and auditory networks and in the outputting of information in the visual network. This study revealed specific abnormalities in information interaction and compensatory mechanism during cross-frequency integration, providing important evidence for understanding cross-frequency integration in patients with MCI and AD.