Dysfunction of large‐scale brain networks underlying cognitive impairments in shift work disorder

Summary It has been demonstrated that shift work can affect cognitive functions. Several neuroimaging studies have revealed altered brain function and structure for patients with shift work disorder (SWD). However, knowledge on the dysfunction of large‐scale brain networks underlying cognitive impairments in shift work disorder is limited. This study aims to identify altered functional networks associated with cognitive declines in shift work disorder, and to assess their potential diagnostic value. Thirty‐four patients with shift work disorder and 36 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited to perform the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and resting‐state functional scans. After surface‐based preprocessing, we calculated within‐ and between‐network functional connectivity (FC) using the Dosenbach atlas. Moreover, correlation analysis was done between altered functional connectivity of large‐scale brain networks and scores of cognitive assessments in patients with shift work disorder. Finally, we established a classification model to provide features for patients with shift work disorder concerning the disrupted large‐scale networks. Compared with healthy controls, increased functional connectivity within‐networks across the seven brain networks, and between‐networks involving ventral attention network (VAN)‐subcortical network (SCN), SCN‐frontoparietal network (FPN), and somatosensory network (SMN)‐SCN were observed in shift work disorder. Decreased functional connectivity between brain networks was found in shift work disorder compared with healthy controls, including visual network (VN)‐FPN, VN‐default mode network (DMN), SMN‐DMN, dorsal attention network (DAN)‐DMN, VAN‐DMN, and FPN‐DMN. Furthermore, the altered functional connectivity of large‐scale brain networks was significantly correlated with scores of immediate memory, visuospatial, and delayed memory in patients with shift work disorder, respectively. Abnormal functional connectivity of large‐scale brain networks may play critical roles in cognitive dysfunction in shift work disorder. Our findings provide new evidence to interpret the underlying neural mechanisms of cognitive impairments in shift work disorder.