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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
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Microstructural brain changes track cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment

Emilie T Reas1, Donald J Hagler2, Nathan S White2

  • 1Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.

Neuroimage. Clinical
|October 6, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Early Alzheimer's disease detection may improve with brain microstructural analysis. Restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) revealed that changes in medial temporal lobe microstructure predict cognitive decline in aging and early Alzheimer's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Alzheimer's Disease Research

Background:

  • Early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for timely intervention.
  • Microstructural brain changes precede overt cognitive symptoms in AD.
  • Understanding these early changes can differentiate normal aging from prodromal AD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between longitudinal microstructural brain changes and cognitive decline.
  • To compare microstructural changes in healthy controls versus individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD.
  • To determine if Restriction Spectrum Imaging (RSI) metrics can predict cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study with baseline and 2-year follow-up.
  • Participants: 29 healthy controls and 21 individuals with MCI or mild AD.
  • Neuropsychological evaluation and Restriction Spectrum Imaging (RSI) were performed.

Main Results:

  • Impaired participants showed altered medial temporal lobe microstructure (lower restricted isotropic diffusion, higher free water diffusion).
  • Hippocampal restricted isotropic diffusion declined faster in cognitively impaired individuals.
  • Baseline hippocampal RSI predicted cognitive decline; changes correlated with cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

  • Medial temporal lobe microstructural changes are linked to cognitive decline in prodromal AD.
  • These changes differ from those observed in normal cognitive aging.
  • RSI metrics show potential for predicting cognitive decline and monitoring AD progression.
Keywords:
AgingAlzheimer's diseaseCognitive declineDiffusion imagingMRIMemoryMild cognitive impairment

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