Revealing Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease with MRI

A major Australian study has provided new clues into the loss of structure in areas of the brain and its potential association with Alzheimer's disease (AD). These findings suggest an accumulation of deposits of the protein amyloid-beta in a region of the brain known as the temporal inferior cortex. The region is connected to the hippocampus, which is involved in memory.

AD is characterized by two factors: a build-up of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, and a loss of neurons. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization's (CSIRO; Victoria, Australia) Preventative Health flagship theme ;leader, Dr. Cassandra Szoeke, reported the mystery for researchers was that the parts of the brain that had shrunk (atrophied) due to neuron loss were not the same as those showing increased deposits of amyloid-beta.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess Alzheimer's disease-affected brain tissue, the researchers discovered that shrinking (atrophy) of the hippocampus was associated with plaque deposits in the temporal inferior cortex. The study's findings indicate that the increased accumulation of amyloid in the temporal inferior cortex disrupts connections with the hippocampus, causing the neurons to die. "By helping to better understand the mechanisms involved in the progression of the disease, the study may guide the development of new strategies for early diagnosis,” Dr Szoeke said.

The study involved advanced techniques for analyzing and comparing different types of brain scans. Lead researcher was Dr. Perrick Bourgeat, from the Australian e-Health Research Center (Queensland, Australia)--a joint venture between CSIRO and the Queensland Government.

The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) Study is being undertaken by CSIRO, the University of Melbourne, Edith Cowan University (Perth), Neurosciences Australia (Victoria), and the Mental Health Institute of Victoria.

The study's findings were reported in April 2010 issue of the journal Neurology.

Related Links:
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
Australian e-Health Research Center