Davidsen, JoernFaryadras, Mahsa2022-09-092022-09-092022-08-31Faryadras, M. (2022). A network neuroscience approach to Developmental Topographical Disorientation (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/115190https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/40212Despite a decade-long study on Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD), the underlying mechanism behind this neurological condition remains unknown. This lifelong selective inability in orientation, which causes these individuals to get lost even in familiar surroundings, is present in the absence of any other neurological disorder or acquired brain damage. Herein, we report an analysis of the functional brain network of individuals with DTD (n = 19) compared against that of healthy controls (n = 21), all of whom underwent resting state fMRI, to identify if and how their underlying functional brain network is altered. While the established resting state networks are confirmed in both groups, there is on average a greater connectivity and connectivity strength, in addition to increased global and local efficiency in the overall functional network of the DTD group. In particular, there is an enhanced connectivity between some resting state networks facilitated through indirect functional paths. We identify a handful of nodes that encode part of these differences. Overall, our findings provide strong evidence that the brain networks of individuals suffering from DTD are modified by compensatory mechanisms, which might open the door for new diagnostic tools.University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Network neuroscienceFunctional brain networksDevelopmental Topographical DisorientationNeurosciencePhysicsmaster thesis