Alzheimer's Disease Research Center - Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Episodic Memory in Mild AD

The aim of the present proposal is to acquire preliminary data on potential functional neuroanatomic markers of mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). We propose to compare functional activation patterns in approximately 25 mildly demented individuals and 25 carefully matched control subjects during the performance of episodic memory encoding and appropriate baseline tasks while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is performed. Region of interest (ROI) analyses will compare relative activation patterns in targeted frontal, and temporal lobe regions known to be involved in episodic memory encoding in normal individuals. In addition, whole-brain activation maps will be generated to explore potential differences in other regions. Potential differences in activation will be explored along lines of (1) magnitude; (2) spatial extent; and (3) temporal characteristics of hemodynamic response functions to examine potentially subtle differences in the timing of activation. Completion of this research will provide preliminary data concerning functional neuroanatomic changes accompanying episodic memory impairment in mild AD. In addition, the proposed project will serve as a foundation for the development of subsequent fMRI paradigms intended to characterize subjects at risk, to differentiate normal age-related memory changes from prodromal dementia, and to monitor the effects of therapy as adjuncts to neuropsychological and clinical assessments.