Small-World Properties in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease: A Cortical Thickness MRI Study. (21st March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Yongxia; Lui, Yvonne W.
• Other Names: Chan D. Academic Editor.; Herukka S.-K. Academic Editor.; Hurt C. S. Academic Editor.; McKinlay A. Academic Editor.; Orsucci D. Academic Editor.; Ryan J. Academic Editor.; Umegaki H. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN geriatrics. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-03-21
• Subjects: Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/542080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-4750

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Small-world network consists of networks with local specialization and global integration. Our objective is to detect small-world properties alteration based on cortical thickness in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) including stables and converters, and early Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to controls. Methods . MRI scans of 13 controls, 10 MCI, and 10 with early AD were retrospectively analyzed; 11 MCI converters, 11 MCI stables, and 10 controls from the ADNI website were also included. Results . There were significantly decreased local efficiencies in patients with MCI and AD compared to controls; and MCI patients showed increased global efficiency compared to AD and controls. The MCI converters experience the worst local efficiency during the converting period to AD; the stables, however, have highest local and global efficiency. Conclusions . The abnormal cortical thickness-based small-world properties in MCI and AD as well as the distinct patterns between two MCI subtypes suggest that small-world network analysis has the potential to better differentiate different stages of early dementia.