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Published on: December 18, 2016
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Surface-based but not voxel-based morphometry reveals structural abnormalities in individuals with subjective
Laura Serra1,2, Sabrina Bonarota2, Carlotta Di Domenico2,3
1Department of Human Sciences, Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|December 9, 2025
Summary
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) shows early cortical changes, distinct from Alzheimer's disease (AD) volumetric loss. Advanced MRI can detect these subtle structural differences in individuals with cognitive concerns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Alzheimer's Disease Research
Background:
- Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) describes perceived cognitive decline without objective deficits, potentially indicating early Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Understanding structural brain changes in SCD is crucial for early AD detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare grey matter (GM) volumes and cortical folding in individuals with SCD versus the broader AD spectrum.
- To investigate early structural brain alterations in SCD using advanced MRI techniques.
Main Methods:
- 107 participants (AD, amnestic mild cognitive impairment [aMCI], SCD, healthy controls [HS]) underwent neuropsychological testing and 3T MRI.
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based morphometry (SBM) were used to analyze T1-weighted MRI data via CAT-12.
Main Results:
- VBM showed significant atrophy in AD and aMCI compared to SCD and HS; no GM volume differences were found between SCD and HS.
- SBM revealed cortical surface abnormalities in AD patients across all measures.
- aMCI patients exhibited reduced cortical thickness and gyrification; SCD individuals showed reduced gyrification and sulcal depth compared to HS.
Conclusions:
- Cortical surface abnormalities may precede volumetric changes in the AD continuum.
- Multiparametric MRI can detect subtle structural changes in SCD, aiding early AD spectrum identification.
- Further research is needed to explore these findings for early intervention strategies in AD.
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