Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
08:43

Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: August 7, 2017

8.3K

White matter changes from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis

Linzi Qin1,2, Zhiwei Guo1, Morgan A McClure1

  • 1Department of CT/MRI, Institute of Rehabilitation and Imaging of Brain Function, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|March 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Alzheimer's disease (AD) shows significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in key brain regions compared to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This meta-analysis highlights specific areas affected during the progression from MCI to AD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies have indicated microstructural changes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but findings regarding fractional anisotropy (FA) have been inconsistent.
  • Understanding consistent alterations in FA is crucial for differentiating between MCI and AD and tracking disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis to identify consistent fractional anisotropy (FA) alterations in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
  • To determine the specific brain regions showing differing FA values between MCI and AD patients.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic search of online databases was performed for case-control studies utilizing DTI and FA in MCI and AD.
  • Quantitative FA values from cognition-related brain regions were extracted.
  • Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed or random effect models.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis included 26 studies with a total of 1,021 patients.
  • Significantly decreased FA was observed in patients with AD compared to MCI in multiple brain regions, including the left frontal lobe, corpus callosum (CC), fornix (FX), hippocampus (HP), cingulate gyrus (CG), cingulate bundle (CB), uncinate fasciculus (UF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior fronto-occipital fascicles (IFOF), and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF).
  • Specific regions like the left frontal lobe, CC, FX, HP, CG, CB, and UF may represent key areas affected during the transition from MCI to AD.

Conclusions:

  • This meta-analysis provides objective, quantitative evidence of widespread FA alterations in AD relative to MCI.
  • The identified brain regions with decreased FA are critical indicators of the pathological process from MCI to AD.
  • These findings support the use of FA changes as potential biomarkers for disease progression in Alzheimer's disease research.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseDiffusion tensor imagingFractional anisotropyMeta-analysisMild cognitive impairment

More Related Videos

The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease06:23

The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: October 13, 2016

33.6K
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

3.3K

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.5K
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
456
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
697
Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

Cognitive Development During Adulthood

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
691
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory01:23

Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory

Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
 Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
2.3K
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
454