MRI Detects Alzheimer's-Linked Brain Changes Seven Years Before Amyloid PET Scans
A study released on August 19 in Nature Neuroscience revealed that MRI-visible cortical thinning can occur at least seven years prior to the accumulation of beta-amyloid. The research, led by James Michael Roe from the University of Oslo, involved over 1,000 dementia-free adults monitored for as long as 16 years. Individuals who later showed increased beta-amyloid had thicker cortices initially. Roe remarked that changes in brain structure take place well ahead of the significant plaque levels observable on PET scans. Lucy Hooper highlighted that these results indicate a broader timeframe for Alzheimer's prevention. Co-author Anders Martin Fjell called for further investigation into non-amyloid factors. Alzheimer's impacts more than seven million Americans aged 65 and older.
Key facts
- MRI scans can reveal cortical thickness changes at least seven years before beta-amyloid plaques are detectable via PET scans.
- The study was published in Nature Neuroscience on August 19.
- Researchers analyzed longitudinal data from over 1,000 adults without dementia at enrollment, followed for up to 16 years.
- Nearly 700 participants also had amyloid-PET scans.
- The cortex remained slightly thicker in people who eventually developed elevated beta-amyloid compared to those who did not.
- Alzheimer's disease affects more than seven million Americans ages 65 and older.
- Two FDA-approved anti-amyloid therapies are the first new Alzheimer's drugs in about two decades.
- An experimental anti-tau drug showed potential to slow cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer's, according to July clinical trial data.
Entities
Artists
- James Michael Roe
- Lucy Hooper
- Frederik Barkhof
- Anders Martin Fjell
- Maria Azzurra Volpe
- Skyler Ware
- Brian B. Bettencourt
- Sara Hashemi
Institutions
- University of Oslo
- Coyne Medical
- University College London
- Food and Drug Administration
- Nature Neuroscience
- Newsweek
- Science News
- Smithsonian Magazine
- Toronto Star
- Getty Images
Locations
- Oslo
- Norway
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York City
- United States