Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: October 13, 2016
Preclinical evidence of Alzheimer changes in progressive mild cognitive impairment: a qualitative and quantitative
A Ishiwata1, O Sakayori, S Minoshima
1Department of Neurology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan. akiko081@nms.ac.jp
Objectives:
Baseline brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can predict mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients at risk for progressive MCI (PMCI).
Methods:
Twenty-eight subjects [12 MCI, 6 with probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and 10 normal subjects] underwent baseline brain SPECT and were clinically followed for a mean period of 36 months.
Results:
Of 12 MCI patients, 6 progressed to PMCI and 6 remained stable. Baseline SPECT identified asymmetric perfusion reduction in the parahippocampus (-5%), lateral parietal (-8%), and posterior cingulate (-11%) cortices--reductions consistent with that of mild AD--in five of the six PMCI patients. Significant perfusion reduction was observed particularly in the frontal cortices of probable AD when compared with PMCI (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Baseline SPECT can identify brain perfusion abnormalities among patients with MCI for progression to PMCI. This imaging modality may aid in MCI treatment stratification.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Dementia l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
