MRI Biomarkers and Modifiable Health Factors of Aging and Dementia

摘要: Alzheimer's dementia is a rising public health crisis that will have an unprecedented social and economic impact in the near future, as elderly individuals make up fastest growing segment of population worldwide. The greatest single risk factor for disease age, though many genetic environmental factors also influence onset progression. While current treatment options are sparse no cure exists, it critical to (1) identify at its earliest stages, before irreversible brain degeneration has occurred (2) develop alternative strategies reducing based on aspects currently modifiable, such cardiovascular one example. If we can who high developing dementia, but not yet experienced major neurodegeneration, then may be possible apply these preserve into old age.In regards first aim, MRI scans robust signatures early stages. In my work, expanded upon existing brain-based biomarkers by demonstrating changes caudate nucleus shape showing patterns thinner cortical gray matter associated with longitudinal expansion lateral ventricles. subcortical structure typically motor planning, involved procedural memory, affected molecular pathology disease. ventricles fluid-filled space located center brain, which expand tissue lost aging within fixed volume skull. Both automatically measured from reliability often less manual intervention compared other structures (such hippocampus). These makes candidates use clinical trials or, case ventricles, even individual assist diagnosis. My studies provide further validation additional information implications structural structures.For second I investigated blood levels two potentially modifiable compounds (thyroid hormones homocysteine) been linked cognition elderly. Alterations thyroid hormone elevated homocysteine separately increased cognitive decline results demonstrate significantly differences found were more likely reduced bilateral frontal, right temporal, sensory, motor, visual areas. another study, higher (free thyroxine, fT4) normal range both contraction relative lower levels. because interventions exist modify it's measure their using test. without involve special consideration elderly, important understand relationship between As evidence accumulates, if connection factors, deterioration strong enough, discover new avenues preserving age.