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Imaging biomarkers associated with cognitive decline: a review
Jonathan McConathy1, Yvette I Sheline2
1Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
Biological Psychiatry
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Imaging biomarkers show promise for early detection of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Structural MRI and molecular imaging techniques like PET can identify preclinical dementia, aiding diagnosis and disease evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Reliable biomarkers are crucial for evaluating disease progression, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Numerous studies investigate biomarkers for cognitive decline, necessitating validation of proposed methods.
- Early detection of preclinical dementia is vital for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of imaging biomarkers in cognitive decline and dementia.
- To highlight methods for distinguishing preclinical dementia before cognitive symptoms appear.
- To describe the latest developments and compare molecular imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies utilizing structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early dementia prediction.
- Analysis of molecular imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) tracers.
- Comparison of different molecular imaging methods and their applications.
Main Results:
- Structural MRI, especially longitudinal studies, can predict dementia early, particularly when combined with other measures.
- Molecular imaging quantifies key biological processes, aiding in the characterization of dementias.
- Imaging biomarkers can differentiate between preclinical AD, mild cognitive impairment, and AD dementia.
Conclusions:
- Imaging biomarkers, including structural MRI and PET, hold significant promise for early detection and diagnosis of cognitive decline and dementia.
- Further development in structural MRI and PET technologies is expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
- Appropriate use criteria for amyloid PET tracers are being established.
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