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Combination of hippocampal volume and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers improves predictive value in mild cognitive
C Eckerström1, U Andreasson, E Olsson
1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Linguistics and Theory of Science, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
Background:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous condition, and the prognosis differs within the group. Recent findings suggest that hippocampal volumetry and CSF biomarkers can be used to predict which MCI patients have an underlying neurodegenerative disorder.
Objective:
To examine the combined predictive value of hippocampal volume and CSF levels of total tau (T-tau) and beta-amyloid(42) (Abeta(42)) in stable and converting MCI patients. The participants (n = 68) included patients with MCI at baseline and who converted to dementia by the time of the 2-year follow-up (n = 21), stable MCI patients (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 26).
Methods:
The Göteborg MCI study is a clinically based longitudinal study with biannual clinical assessments. Hippocampal volumetry was performed manually, based on data from the 0.5-tesla MRI investigations at baseline. Baseline CSF levels of T-tau and Abeta(42) were measured using commercially available, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results:
The converting MCI group had significantly smaller left hippocampi, lower CSF Abeta(42) and higher T-tau compared to both the stable MCI group and the healthy controls. Multivariate analysis revealed that a combination of the variables outperformed the prognostic ability of the separate variables.
Conclusions:
Hippocampal volumes supplement the prognostic accuracy of CSF Abeta(42) and T-tau in MCI.
Insights
Combining hippocampal volume and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers like total tau (T-tau) and beta-amyloid(42) (Abeta(42)) improves prediction of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression. This aids in identifying MCI patients with underlying neurodegenerative disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomarkers
- Cognitive Impairment
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous condition with variable prognoses.
- Neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers show promise in predicting MCI outcomes.
- Identifying underlying neurodegenerative pathology in MCI is crucial for prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the combined predictive power of hippocampal volume and CSF biomarkers (T-tau, Abeta(42)) in MCI patients.
- To differentiate between stable MCI and MCI that converts to dementia.
- To investigate prognostic accuracy in a longitudinal cohort.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 68 MCI patients and 26 healthy controls.
- Manual hippocampal volumetry from baseline 0.5-tesla MRI scans.
- Quantification of baseline CSF T-tau and Abeta(42) using ELISA.
Main Results:
- MCI patients who converted to dementia had smaller left hippocampi, lower CSF Abeta(42), and higher T-tau.
- These differences were significant compared to stable MCI and healthy controls.
- Multivariate analysis indicated superior prognostic ability when combining these biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Hippocampal volume measurements enhance the prognostic accuracy of CSF Abeta(42) and T-tau.
- Combined biomarkers offer a more robust prediction of MCI progression.
- This approach aids in the early identification of neurodegenerative processes in MCI.
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