Mapping the Anatomy of Alzheimer’s Disease

Photo: Joe Stump / flickr/ cc- by

• “AD” refers to Alzheimer’s disease.
• AD is a neurodegenerative disorder causing decreased function in memory, thinking and old age.
• AD is commonly characterized through hippocampal atrophy, or degeneration of brain tissue in the hippocampal region.
• Recent study has identified new anatomical markers for AD, such as cotical thickness, and grey matter density.
• Cortical thickness refers to the overall thickness of the cortex, or brain. Grey matter is the general component of the central nervous system.
• Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, (MRI), scientists were able to identify more key markers to characterize AD.
• These 6 markers include:
  • Cortical thickness
  • Cortical area
  • Cortical curvature
  • Grey matter density
  • Subcortical volumes
  • Hippocampal shape
• These markers allow for an enhanced classification and distinction of AD diagnosis.
• Find out more, in Human Brain Mapping.