Evidence of demyelination in mild cognitive impairment and dementia using a direct and specific magnetic resonance imaging measure of myelin content

摘要: Abstract Introduction We investigated brain demyelination in aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia using a direct magnetic resonance imaging marker of myelin. Methods Brains young old controls, subjects with MCI, Alzheimer's disease, or vascular were scanned our recently developed myelin water fraction (MWF) mapping technique, which provides greatly improved accuracy over previous comparable methods. Maps MWF, specific measure, relaxation times magnetization transfer ratio, indirect nonspecific measures, constructed. Results MCI showed decreased MWF compared controls. Demyelination was greater disease dementia. As expected, accompanied by ratio increased times. The content than the subjects. Discussion believe this to be first demonstration loss method that quantitative imaging–based measure Our findings add emerging evidence myelination may represent an important biomarker for pathology This study supports investigation role through use approach clinical studies progression, relationship functional status status. Furthermore, permit serve as therapeutic target trials.