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Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: a preliminary study

Wiboon Suriyajakryuththana, Lojana Tuntiyatorn, Nuttika Teepprasarn

    Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
    |June 27, 2014
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) revealed that metabolite changes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients closely resemble those in Alzheimer's disease (AD). These findings suggest MRS may help predict cognitive decline progression in individuals with memory problems.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroimaging
    • Biochemistry
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
    • MCI exhibits a significantly higher rate of progression to AD compared to normal aging.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare brain metabolite changes between AD and MCI patients using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS).
    • To investigate specific brain regions, including frontal and parietal deep white matter, for metabolite alterations.

    Main Methods:

    • 17 patients (10 AD, 7 MCI) and 3 healthy volunteers underwent conventional MRI and MRS.
    • Neuropsychological tests (MMSE-Thai 2002) were administered.
    • Analysis focused on NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr ratios, with statistical evaluation using Cohen's kappa and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

    Main Results:

    • No statistically significant metabolite changes were observed across all brain regions initially.
    • A strong tendency towards decreased NAA/Cr was noted in the left frontal and parietal regions in AD patients compared to controls (p=0.043).
    • A tendency towards decreased Cho/Cr was observed in the left frontal region of AD patients (p=0.028).

    Conclusions:

    • Metabolite ratio changes in MCI patients were found to be similar to those in AD patients.
    • Decreased NAA/Cr in the left cerebral hemisphere and decreased Cho/Cr in the left frontal lobe suggest neurodegeneration and gliosis.
    • MRS shows potential utility in predicting the conversion risk from normal cognition to AD.

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