Diffusion imaging changes in grey matter in Alzheimer’s disease: a potential marker of early neurodegeneration

摘要: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is recognized to have a long presymptomatic period, during which there progressive accumulation of molecular pathology, followed by inexorable neuronal damage. The ability identify individuals with evidence neurodegenerative change, stage their disease, and track changes will be important for early diagnosis prevention trials. Despite recent advances, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging, our reliably limited. development diffusion-weighted sensitive microstructural not visible conventional volumetric techniques, has led number diffusion imaging studies AD; these largely focused on white matter changes. However, AD cerebral grey affected very early, pathological suggesting that predate those matter. In this article we review the growing assess diffusivity AD. Although use technique still at relatively stage, results so far been promising. Initial identified measures hippocampi patients mild cognitive impairment, predated macroscopic volume loss, positive predictive value progression dementia. More abnormalities multiple neocortical areas (particularly posterior cingulate) various stages progression. Studies who carry genetic mutations predisposing autosomal dominant familial shown cortical subcortical several years before expected onset first clinical symptoms. without potential methodological difficulties, especially relating partial effects, although advances appear reducing such issues. Going forward, further utilization measurements may improve understanding regards timing nature earliest This also useful comparing contrasting subtle variations different subgroups, as outcome measure trials other diseases.