Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease
06:23

The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: October 13, 2016

Microstructural white matter changes in cognitively normal individuals at risk of amnestic MCI

Lin Zhuang1, Perminder S Sachdev, Julian N Trollor

  • 1Brain and Ageing Research Program, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia.

Neurology
|July 31, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Early white matter changes in the brain, detected via diffusion tensor imaging, can predict the progression from cognitively normal to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), an early stage of Alzheimer disease (AD). These microstructural alterations may serve as crucial imaging biomarkers for early AD detection.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Alzheimer's Disease Research

Background:

  • Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with pathological changes preceding clinical symptoms by many years.
  • Identifying individuals at risk for developing AD, particularly those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether microstructural white matter changes, similar to those in AD patients, are detectable in cognitively normal individuals who later develop aMCI.
  • To explore the potential of these white matter changes as early imaging markers for AD-related brain alterations.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 193 cognitively normal individuals, categorizing them into cognitively stable (CN-stable) and those who converted to aMCI (CN-aMCI converters) over 2 years.
  • Utilized structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at baseline to assess gray matter atrophy and white matter integrity, respectively.

Main Results:

  • CN-aMCI converters showed significant reductions in white matter integrity in the precuneus, parahippocampal cingulum, parahippocampal gyrus white matter, and fornix compared to CN-stable individuals.
  • Fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the precuneus and left parahippocampal gyrus white matter predicted conversion to aMCI and subsequent episodic memory decline, respectively.
  • Gray matter structures remained relatively intact, highlighting the sensitivity of white matter changes in this early stage.

Conclusions:

  • Microstructural white matter changes are detectable in cognitively normal individuals in the pre-aMCI stage.
  • These white matter alterations represent potential imaging biomarkers for early AD-related brain changes.
  • DTI can identify individuals at high risk for developing aMCI and subsequent cognitive decline.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images08:39

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images

Published on: November 20, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...