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Basic Science and Pathogenesis.
Habbiburr Rehman1, Qiushan Tao2, Ting Fang Alvin Ang3,4
1Biomedical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 25, 2025
Summary
This study reveals specific brain atrophy patterns in MRI scans linked to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. These changes correlate with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia involves abnormal protein buildup and brain cell loss.
- The link between brain atrophy progression and dementia/cognitive impairment remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal changes in brain atrophy associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.
- To identify specific MRI features and brain regions indicative of cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MRI data from Framingham Heart Study participants (n=756).
- Employed linear mixed-effects models and Assorted Linear functions for ANOVA Simultaneous Component Analysis (ALASCA) to analyze 1126 MRI features.
- Included cognitively normal, MCI, and dementia groups.
Main Results:
- Identified 52 MRI features for MCI and 143 for dementia.
- Principal components (PCs) revealed distinct atrophy patterns: M-PC1 and D-PC1 decreased over time in MCI/dementia groups compared to controls.
- M-PC2 and D-PC2 showed differing trends between MCI and dementia groups.
- PCs correlated significantly with plasma biomarkers (p-tau181, t-tau) and cognitive functions (language, memory, executive function, MMSE).
- Key brain regions implicated include hippocampus, amygdala, and pulvinar.
Conclusions:
- Specific patterns of brain atrophy in regions like the hippocampus and amygdala are associated with MCI and dementia.
- These MRI-derived features aid in understanding dementia heterogeneity and progression.
- Findings highlight the role of identified brain regions and biomarkers in cognitive decline.
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