An update on magnetic resonance imaging markers in AD

Abstract

The purpose of the present review is to provide an update of the available recent scientific literature on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). MRI is playing an increasingly important role in the characterization of the AD signatures, which can be useful in both the diagnostic process and monitoring of disease progression. Furthermore, this technique is unique in assessing brain structure and function and provides a deep understanding of in vivo evolution of cerebral pathology. In the reviewing process, we established a priori criteria and we thoroughly searched the very recent scientific literature (January 2018–March 2020) for relevant articles on this topic. In summary, we selected 73 articles out of 1654 publications retrieved from PubMed. Based on this selection, this review summarizes the recent application of MRI in clinical trials, defining the predementia stages of AD, the clinical utility of MRI, proposal of novel biomarkers and brain regions of interest, and assessing the relationship between MRI and cognitive features, risk and protective factors of AD. Finally, the value of a multiparametric approach in clinical and preclinical stages of AD is discussed.

Comorbidity Trajectories Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease: A Matched Case-Control Study in a United States Claims Database

“…It may be possible in a primary care setting to flag a patient's chart if a pattern of comorbidities is observed within a short period of time. This would then prompt healthcare professionals to inquire about memory concerns and possibly refer the patient to a specialist for cognitive testing and/or any imaging or fluid biomarkers available, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ and tau tests (Leocadi et al, 2020;Leuzy et al, 2021). The results of the current study add to and expand previous work toward the development of such a tool.…”

Imaging Methods Applicable in the Diagnostics of Alzheimer’s Disease, Considering the Involvement of Insulin Resistance

“…However, hippocampal and entorhinal cortex atrophy is also present in other types of dementia, such as frontotemporal and vascular dementia [ 3 ]. In a recent study, cortical thickness alone has been reported to allow AD and healthy subjects to be distinguished with an accuracy of 90%, a sensitivity of 96%, and a specificity of 76% [ 25 ]. However, brain atrophy is not a specific sign of AD.…”

“…Hippocampal atrophy has been reported to differentiate AD patients from normal older adults with 80–90% accuracy [ 3 ]. Therefore, hippocampal volume is considered an appropriate marker of AD progression and even seems suitable for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment [ 25 ]. Moreover, a tendency has been shown for increased atrophy in the limbic and temporal lobe in AD ( Figure 2 ), whereas normal aging instead affects frontal and parietal gray matter [ 19 ].…”

“…Moreover, a tendency has been shown for increased atrophy in the limbic and temporal lobe in AD ( Figure 2 ), whereas normal aging instead affects frontal and parietal gray matter [ 19 ]. Even in MCI patients, the atrophy of the medial temporal lobe has been confirmed to correlate with memory decline [ 25 ]. In the study of Qian et al [ 27 ], the observed cognitive worsening in MCI patients has been linked to hippocampal atrophy; however, the volume change in the thalamus has been related to non-memory deficits, such as language, executive, and visual-spatial abilities.…”

Diagnóstico da doença de Alzheimer: recomendações do Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia

“…Although this information is essential, especially for follow-up, it still lacks standardization for the Brazilian population considering age and sex. Regarding MTS in AD, the subregions of the hippocampus, such as CA1 and subiculum, can be quantified, but without widespread clinical application 98 . A recent review of MCI due to AD showed low sensitivity/specificity (73 and 71%, respectively) of MTS measures to differentiate patients whose condition evolved or not to dementia 99 .…”