Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Multiple diffusion indices reveals white matter degeneration in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a
Ni Shu1, Zhiqun Wang, Zhigang Qi
1State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the decline of memory and other cognitive functions. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transition phase between normal aging and early AD. The degeneration patterns of the white matter across the brain in AD and MCI remain largely unclear. Here we used diffusion tensor imaging and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to investigate white matter changes in multiple diffusion indices (e.g., fractional anisotropy, axial, radial and mean diffusivities) in both AD and MCI patients. Compared with the normal controls, the AD patients had reduced fractional anisotropy and increased axial, radial and mean diffusivities in widespread white matter structures, including the corpus callosum and the white matter of lateral temporal cortex, the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus and the fronto-parietal regions. Similar white matter regions with reduced anisotropy were also found in MCI patients but with a much less extent than in AD. Between the AD and MCI groups, there were significant differences in the axial and mean diffusivities of the white matter tracts adjacent to the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus without anisotropy changes. Taken together, our findings based upon multiple diffusion indices (FA, axial, radial and mean diffusivities) suggest distinct degeneration behaviors of the white matter in AD and MCI.
Insights
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show distinct white matter degeneration patterns. Diffusion tensor imaging reveals widespread white matter changes in AD, with less extensive alterations in MCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- White Matter Integrity
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) signifies a transitional stage between normal aging and AD.
- White matter degeneration patterns in AD and MCI are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate white matter changes in AD and MCI using diffusion tensor imaging.
- To compare degeneration patterns between AD, MCI, and healthy controls.
- To elucidate distinct white matter degeneration behaviors in AD and MCI.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was employed.
- Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analyzed white matter.
- Multiple diffusion indices (fractional anisotropy, axial, radial, and mean diffusivities) were assessed.
Main Results:
- AD patients exhibited reduced fractional anisotropy and increased diffusivities in widespread white matter regions (corpus callosum, lateral temporal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, fronto-parietal regions).
- MCI patients showed similar, but less extensive, white matter anisotropy reductions compared to AD.
- Significant differences in axial and mean diffusivities were observed between AD and MCI groups in tracts near the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest distinct white matter degeneration patterns in AD and MCI.
- Multiple diffusion indices provide insights into the progression of neurodegeneration.
- DTI analysis highlights specific white matter vulnerabilities in early and advanced stages of AD.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology