Alliance for aging research AD biomarkers work group: structural MRI

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroimaging
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers are crucial for diagnosis and therapeutic trials.
• Updated diagnostic criteria emphasize the role of AD biomarkers.
• Biomarkers represent specific pathophysiological aspects of the disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting structural MRI as a biomarker of neurodegenerative atrophy in AD.
• To discuss the utility of MRI in AD diagnosis and prognosis.
• To position MRI within the temporal framework of AD biomarker development.

Main Methods:

• Review of evidence for MRI as a neurodegenerative atrophy biomarker.
• Discussion of quantitative and semiquantitative MRI data extraction.
• Analysis of imaging-autopsy correlation studies.
• Evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic value of MRI measures.

Main Results:

• Structural MRI effectively measures neurodegenerative atrophy.
• MRI data can be quantified and semiquantified for clinical use.
• Evidence supports the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of MRI in AD.
• MRI plays a role in understanding the temporal sequence of AD pathology.

Conclusions:

• Structural MRI is a validated biomarker for neurodegenerative atrophy in Alzheimer's disease.
• MRI measures are integral to AD diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic trial design.
• MRI complements other established biomarkers like CSF and PET imaging.