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Published on: August 7, 2017
Analysis of Brain Structural Connectivity Networks and White Matter Integrity in Patients With Mild Cognitive
Maurizio Bergamino1, Simona Schiavi2,3, Alessandro Daducci2
1Barrow Neuroimaging Innovation Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Abstract:
White matter integrity and structural connectivity may be altered in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and these changes may closely reflect decline in specific cognitive domains. Multi-shell diffusion data in healthy control (HC, n = 31) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 19) cohorts were downloaded from the ADNI3 database. The data were analyzed using an advanced approach to assess both white matter microstructural integrity and structural connectivity. Compared with HC, lower intracellular compartment (IC) and higher isotropic (ISO) values were found in MCI. Additionally, significant correlations were found between IC and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in the MCI cohort. Network analysis detected structural connectivity differences between the two groups, with lower connectivity in MCI. Additionally, significant differences between HC and MCI were observed for global network efficiency. Our results demonstrate the potential of advanced diffusion MRI biomarkers for understanding brain changes in MCI.
Insights
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) shows altered white matter integrity and connectivity. Advanced diffusion MRI revealed differences in brain structure and network efficiency, correlating with cognitive scores in MCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- White matter integrity and structural connectivity are crucial for cognitive function.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with subtle brain changes that may precede dementia.
- Understanding these changes is vital for early diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate white matter microstructural integrity and structural connectivity in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using advanced diffusion MRI.
- To explore the relationship between diffusion MRI biomarkers and cognitive performance in MCI.
- To identify differences in brain network properties between MCI patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition and analysis of multi-shell diffusion MRI data from healthy controls (HC) and MCI cohorts via the ADNI3 database.
- Advanced diffusion MRI techniques to assess white matter microstructural integrity (intracellular compartment - IC, isotropic - ISO values).
- Network analysis to evaluate structural connectivity and global network efficiency.
Main Results:
- MCI patients exhibited lower intracellular compartment (IC) and higher isotropic (ISO) values compared to HC.
- Significant correlations were observed between IC values and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in the MCI group.
- Structural connectivity analysis revealed reduced connectivity and global network efficiency in MCI compared to HC.
Conclusions:
- Advanced diffusion MRI biomarkers, specifically IC and ISO values, can detect white matter alterations in MCI.
- These diffusion MRI metrics show potential for reflecting cognitive decline in MCI.
- The findings highlight the utility of diffusion MRI in characterizing brain changes associated with MCI and offer insights into neurodegenerative processes.
