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Current Alzheimer Research

Author(s): Chenhui Mao, Bo Hou, Jie Li, Shanshan Chu, Xinying Huang, Jie Wang, Liling Dong, Caiyan Liu, Feng Feng*, Bin Peng and Jing Gao*

DOI: 10.2174/1567205019666220905145756

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Distribution of Cortical Atrophy Associated with Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Structural MRI Study from PUMCH Dementia Cohort

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Abstract

Background: Quantitative measures of atrophy on structural MRI are sensitive to the neurodegeneration that occurs in AD, and the topographical pattern of atrophy could serve as a sensitive and specific biomarker.

Objective: We aimed to examine the distribution of cortical atrophy associated with cognitive decline and disease stage based on quantitative structural MRI analysis in a Chinese cohort to inform clinical diagnosis and follow-up of AD patients.

Methods: One hundred and eleven patients who were clinically diagnosed with probable AD were enrolled. All patients completed a systemic cognitive evaluation and domain-specific batteries. The severity of cognitive decline was defined by MMSE score: 1-10 severe, 11-20 moderate, and 21-30 mild. Cortical volume and thickness determined using 3D-T1 MRI data were analyzed using voxelbased morphometry and surface-based analysis supported by the DR. Brain Platform.

Results: The male:female ratio was 38:73. The average age was 70.8 ± 10.6 years. The mild: moderate: severe ratio was 48:38:25. Total grey matter volume was significantly related to cognition while the relationship between white matter volume and cognition did not reach statistical significance. The volume of the temporal-parietal-occipital cortex was most strongly associated with cognitive decline in group analysis, while the hippocampus and entorhinal area had a less significant association with cognitive decline. Volume of subcortical grey matter was also associated with cognition. Volume and thickness of temporoparietal cortexes were significantly correlated with the cognitive decline, with a left predominance observed.

Conclusion: Cognitive deterioration was associated with cortical atrophy. Volume and thickness of the left temporal-parietal-occipital cortex were most important in early diagnosis and longitudinal evaluation of AD in clinical practice. Cognitively relevant cortices were left predominant.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cortical thickness, cortical volume, cognitive decline, structure MRI, quantitative.

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