Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease in Brain Imaging
Author Information
Author(s): Fulvia Palesi, Vitali P., Chiarati P., Castellazzi G., Caverzasi E., Pichiecchio A., Colli-Tibaldi E., D'Amore F., D'Errico I., Sinforiani E., Bastianello S.
Primary Institution: IRCCS Foundation National Neurological Institute C. Mondino
Hypothesis
Can DTI and MR volumetry detect early micro- and macrostructural signs of Alzheimer's disease?
Conclusion
DTI and MR volumetry can identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Supporting Evidence
- DTI and MR volumetry detected significant differences in brain structure between Alzheimer's patients and healthy controls.
- Verbal memory scores correlated with DTI measures in Alzheimer's patients.
- Both hippocampi and tracts connecting them to the PC/PCC showed significant structural changes in Alzheimer's disease.
Takeaway
Doctors can use special brain scans to see if someone might get Alzheimer's disease before they show any symptoms.
Methodology
The study used DTI and MR volumetry to measure brain structures in patients with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and specific exclusion criteria.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and excluded patients over 80 years old.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 10 with mild cognitive impairment, and 18 healthy controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < .001 for AD vs CTRL; P < .05 for MCI vs CTRL
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website