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Memory and MRI-based hippocampal volumes in aging and AD
R C Petersen1, C R Jack, Y C Xu
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Neurology
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the hippocampus accurately shows how memory loss relates to hippocampal damage in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study demonstrates structural-functional relationships between medial temporal lobe volumes and cognitive performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Previous research shows hippocampal MRI can distinguish Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients from controls.
- Limited data exists on the correlation between medial temporal lobe structures and cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate structural-functional relationships between medial temporal lobe (MTL) volumetric measurements and cognitive function.
- To assess the association between hippocampal formation, parahippocampal gyrus, and amygdala volumes and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated relationships among hippocampal formation, parahippocampal gyrus, and amygdala volumes and memory, language, and general cognitive performance.
- Utilized standardized instruments to assess 220 probable AD patients and normal control subjects in a longitudinal aging and dementia study.
Main Results:
- Hippocampal formation volume significantly predicted performance on most memory acquisition and recall measures.
- Strong associations between MTL structures and memory were observed in AD patients when groups were analyzed separately.
Conclusions:
- MRI-based hippocampal volumetry effectively illustrates the structural-functional link between memory decline and hippocampal damage.
- This relationship spans the continuum from normal aging to dementia.