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Three-dimensional gray matter atrophy mapping in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer disease

Liana G Apostolova1, Calen A Steiner, Gohar G Akopyan

  • 1Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, 10911 Westwood Blvd, Second Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. lapostolova@mednet.ucla.edu

Archives of Neurology
|October 10, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild Alzheimer disease (AD) shows greater cortical atrophy than amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Advanced 3D mapping reveals significant differences, aiding in tracking AD progression and evaluating therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Medical research

Background:

  • Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common dementia, characterized by progressive brain atrophy.
  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) signifies cognitive decline without functional loss, often preceding AD.
  • A significant percentage of MCI patients transition to AD annually, exhibiting similar pathological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze structural MRI data from patients with amnestic MCI and mild AD.
  • To employ an advanced 3D cortical mapping technique for detailed analysis.
  • To identify and quantify differences in brain atrophy between these two cognitive states.

Main Methods:

  • Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data analyzed.
  • Utilized an advanced 3-dimensional cortical mapping technique.
  • Compared 24 patients with amnestic MCI and 25 patients with mild AD.

Main Results:

  • Mild AD patients exhibited significantly greater cortical atrophy compared to amnestic MCI patients.
  • Specific regions like the entorhinal cortex, lateral temporal cortex, parietal cortex, and precuneus showed pronounced atrophy in mild AD.
  • Atrophy in mild AD was 10-15% greater than in amnestic MCI, particularly in early-affected cortical areas.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct cortical atrophy patterns differentiate mild AD from amnestic MCI.
  • Early-affected cortical areas show more severe atrophy, reflecting disease progression.
  • The 3D mapping technique shows promise as an in vivo tool for tracking AD and assessing therapeutic interventions.

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