MR Spectroscopy Head MR spectroscopy may permit identification of mild to moderate AD with a specificity and sensitivity that suggests the potential for clinical usefulness and may predict the conversion of MCI to dementia [29]. Studies of automated MR spectroscopy for AD diagnosis have reported high sensitivity and moderate specificity. Findings in reported studies have varied, but decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and increased myoinositol (mI) with the use of the NAA:mI ratio show the greatest promise [30]. However, prospective studies are lacking to validate this method for diagnosing AD. MRI Functional (fMRI) Head Recently tested as an imaging biomarker in AD is MRI functional (fMRI) because it may provide information about functional integrity of brain networks supportive memory and other cognitive domains [31]. Both conventional task-based fMRI and resting state fMRI (particularly the default mode network) [32] show promise as diagnostic markers but have not yet been subjected to a thorough validation. Most of the fMRI studies are single-center studies with small numbers of patients and limited test, retest, and cross-scanner reproducibility, limiting its use in the diagnosis of AD. MRI Head The primary role of neuroimaging in the workup of patients with probable or possible AD has typically been to exclude other significant intracranial abnormalities. A noncontrast MRI examination will assist with the diagnosis Dementia of dementia by excluding structural pathology like tumors or subdural hematomas [9]. Contrast-enhanced MRI is not needed in the initial imaging evaluation in dementia patients. Volumetric MRI can be used as a second-line imaging test for aiding in the diagnosis once the patient has been seen by a specialist. Medial temporal lobe atrophy has been noted to correlate with cognitive decline and nonfunctional test accumulation and is seen in patients with MCI compared with normal patients.
Dementia. MR Spectroscopy Head MR spectroscopy may permit identification of mild to moderate AD with a specificity and sensitivity that suggests the potential for clinical usefulness and may predict the conversion of MCI to dementia [29]. Studies of automated MR spectroscopy for AD diagnosis have reported high sensitivity and moderate specificity. Findings in reported studies have varied, but decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and increased myoinositol (mI) with the use of the NAA:mI ratio show the greatest promise [30]. However, prospective studies are lacking to validate this method for diagnosing AD. MRI Functional (fMRI) Head Recently tested as an imaging biomarker in AD is MRI functional (fMRI) because it may provide information about functional integrity of brain networks supportive memory and other cognitive domains [31]. Both conventional task-based fMRI and resting state fMRI (particularly the default mode network) [32] show promise as diagnostic markers but have not yet been subjected to a thorough validation. Most of the fMRI studies are single-center studies with small numbers of patients and limited test, retest, and cross-scanner reproducibility, limiting its use in the diagnosis of AD. MRI Head The primary role of neuroimaging in the workup of patients with probable or possible AD has typically been to exclude other significant intracranial abnormalities. A noncontrast MRI examination will assist with the diagnosis Dementia of dementia by excluding structural pathology like tumors or subdural hematomas [9]. Contrast-enhanced MRI is not needed in the initial imaging evaluation in dementia patients. Volumetric MRI can be used as a second-line imaging test for aiding in the diagnosis once the patient has been seen by a specialist. Medial temporal lobe atrophy has been noted to correlate with cognitive decline and nonfunctional test accumulation and is seen in patients with MCI compared with normal patients.