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MRI-based volumetric measurement of the substantia innominata in amnestic MCI and mild AD

S George1, E J Mufson, S Leurgans

  • 1Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 W. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.

Neurobiology of Aging
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Substantia innominata (SI) volume reduction is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) but not mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study measured SI atrophy in NCI, aMCI, and AD individuals using MRI scans.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurodegeneration
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • The substantia innominata (SI) is crucial for cholinergic innervation, with its neuron degeneration linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) cognitive decline.
  • Previous research has not thoroughly investigated SI atrophy in vivo for individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and apply a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for measuring volumetric changes in the substantia innominata (SI).
  • To examine SI atrophy in individuals with no cognitive impairment (NCI), aMCI, and mild AD.

Main Methods:

  • A new protocol was developed to measure volumetric changes in the SI using MRI scans.
  • SI volumes were traced on three consecutive gapless 1mm thick coronal slices.
  • Participants included 27 NCI, 33 aMCI, and 19 mild AD individuals.

Main Results:

  • SI volume was significantly reduced in the mild AD group compared to both NCI and aMCI groups.
  • No significant difference in SI volume was found between the NCI and aMCI groups.
  • Reduced SI volume correlated with impaired declarative memory performance, even after controlling for attention.

Conclusions:

  • Substantia innominata (SI) atrophy is a characteristic of mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) but not amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).
  • SI volume reduction is associated with memory deficits, highlighting its role in cognitive decline.

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