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Updated: May 16, 2026
07:30
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Cerebral atrophy in elderly with subjective memory complaints.
Walter M Palm1, Luca Ferrarini, Wiesje M van der Flier
1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. w.m.palm@lumc.nl
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|December 15, 2012
Summary
Individuals with subjective memory complaints show distinct ventricular shape alterations, particularly near the thalamus and corona radiata. These findings highlight localized structural brain differences in early memory decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroanatomy
- Cognitive Neurology
Background:
- Subjective memory complaints (SMC) can precede clinical diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Understanding early structural brain changes associated with SMC is crucial for timely intervention.
- The ventricular system's shape may reflect underlying brain alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate localized ventricular shape differences in individuals experiencing subjective memory complaints (SMC).
- To compare the shape of the lateral and third ventricles between controls and individuals with SMC.
- To identify specific brain regions associated with observed ventricular shape variations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized brain MRI scans (FLAIR, T2, PD-weighted) from 28 controls and 21 individuals with SMC.
- Employed semi-automated segmentation for lateral and third ventricles.
- Applied local shape difference analysis using growing and adaptive meshes with permutation tests (P=0.01).
Main Results:
- Significant ventricular shape differences were observed adjacent to the thalamus and corona radiata in individuals with SMC.
- Preliminary analysis also indicated shape variations near the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and amygdala.
- These localized differences suggest specific patterns of brain structural change.
Conclusions:
- Localized structural brain differences exist in the thalamus and corona radiata of individuals with subjective memory complaints.
- Ventricular shape analysis provides insights into early neuroanatomical changes associated with memory decline.
- Further research can explore the clinical implications of these findings.
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