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Anatomical and functional deficits in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Ying Han1, Su Lui, Weihong Kuang

  • 1Department of Neurology, Capital Medical Universiy, Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, China. sophiehanying@gmail.com

Plos One
|February 10, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) shows widespread brain volume reduction and altered brain function. However, these anatomical and functional changes in MCI appear to be independent, suggesting combined MRI approaches are needed to understand MCI.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Radiology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by anatomical and functional deficits.
  • The relationship between structural and functional brain alterations in MCI remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between anatomical and functional brain deficits in patients with amnestic MCI.
  • To characterize gray matter volume and regional brain function in MCI.

Main Methods:

  • Seventeen amnestic MCI patients and 18 controls underwent T1-weighted and echo-planar imaging.
  • Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) assessed gray matter deficits.
  • Regional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF (fALFF) evaluated functional alterations.

Main Results:

  • MCI patients exhibited decreased gray matter volume in prefrontal, temporal, and cingulate cortex.
  • Reduced ALFF/fALFF was observed in prefrontal and parietal regions, with increased ALFF/fALFF in limbic and midbrain areas.
  • No significant correlation was found between structural and functional changes.

Conclusions:

  • MCI involves widespread brain volume reduction and altered regional brain function.
  • Anatomical and functional changes in MCI appear to be independent.
  • Combining structural and functional MRI offers complementary insights into MCI pathophysiology.

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