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MRI-based comparative study of different mild cognitive impairment subtypes: protocol for an observational
Yang Yu1, Weina Zhao1, Siou Li1
1Department of Neurology, Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical Universiy, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China.
Introduction:
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) comprise the 2 main types of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The first condition generally progresses to Alzheimer's disease, whereas the second is likely to develop into vascular dementia (VD). The brain structure and function of patients with MCI differ from those of normal elderly individuals. However, whether brain structures or functions differ between these 2 MCI subtypes has not been studied. This study is designed to analyse neuroimages of brain in patients with VaMCI and aMCI using multimodality MRI (structural MRI (sMRI), functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)).
Methods And Analysis:
In this study, 80 participants diagnosed with aMCI, 80 participants diagnosed with VaMCI, and 80 age-matched, gender-matched and education-matched normal controls (NCs) will be recruited to the Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Heilongjiang, China. All participants will undergo neuroimaging and neuropsychological evaluations. The primary outcome measures will be (1) microstructural alterations revealed by multimodal MRIs, including sMRI, resting-state functional MRI and DTI; and (2) a neuropsychological evaluation, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Memory and Executive Screening (MES), trail making test, Stroop colour naming condition and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, to evaluate global cognition, memory function, attention, visuospatial skills, processing speed, executive function and emotion, respectively.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT02706210; Pre-results.
Insights
This study compares brain differences in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) using advanced MRI techniques. Findings aim to differentiate these MCI subtypes and their progression to dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging and Neurology
- Cognitive Science
- Medical Research
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) presents as amnestic (aMCI) or vascular (VaMCI) subtypes.
- aMCI typically progresses to Alzheimer's disease, while VaMCI may lead to vascular dementia.
- Distinct neurobiological differences between aMCI and VaMCI remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare brain structural and functional differences between aMCI and VaMCI patients.
- To utilize multimodality MRI to analyze neuroimaging data for differentiating MCI subtypes.
- To establish a neuroimaging basis for distinguishing between aMCI and VaMCI.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 80 aMCI, 80 VaMCI, and 80 normal controls (NCs).
- Comprehensive neuroimaging using structural MRI (sMRI), resting-state functional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- Neuropsychological evaluations including MMSE, MoCA, AVLT, MES, and CDR scale.
Main Results:
- Analysis of microstructural alterations via multimodal MRI.
- Assessment of cognitive functions including memory, attention, and executive function.
- Comparison of neuroimaging and cognitive profiles between aMCI, VaMCI, and NC groups.
Conclusions:
- This study will provide critical insights into the neurobiological distinctions between aMCI and VaMCI.
- Findings are expected to aid in the differential diagnosis and understanding of MCI subtypes.
- The research may inform future therapeutic strategies targeting specific MCI pathways.
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