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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion tensor imaging in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease
Michael J Firbank1, Andrew M Blamire, Mani S Krishnan
1Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Wolfson Research Centre, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. m.j.firbank@ncl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common form of dementia, with fewer memory deficits, and more visuo-perceptual problems than Alzheimer's disease (AD). We hypothesized that there would be disease specific alterations revealed by diffusion tensor imaging with AD showing temporal lobe and DLB more parietal changes. We recruited 15 people with AD, 16 with DLB, and 15 healthy control subjects of similar age. They were scanned on a 1.5 T MRI system with diffusion tensor FLAIR imaging. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were calculated, and data were analysed using pre-defined regions of interest (ROI) and also with SPM. We found a significant decrease in the FA map in a ROI in the parietal lobe (precuneus) of the DLB group. Using SPM we found increased ADC in the left temporal lobe of AD subjects compared to controls. There were no other significant differences between groups. We conclude that there are subtle changes visible with diffusion imaging in DLB and AD which may reflect disrupted connectivity and underlie observed perfusion changes in these disorders.
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