The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative phase 2: Increasing the length, breadth, and depth of our understanding

Alzheimers Dement. 2015 Jul;11(7):823-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.05.004.

Abstract

Introduction: The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a multisite study designed to characterize the trajectories of biomarkers across the aging process. We present ADNI Biostatistics Core analyses that integrate data over the length, breadth, and depth of ADNI.

Methods: Relative progression of key imaging, fluid, and clinical measures was assessed. Individuals with subjective memory complaints (SMC) and early mild cognitive impairment (eMCI) were compared with normal controls (NC), MCI, and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) summaries were assessed as predictors of disease progression.

Results: Relative progression of markers supports parts of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, although evidence of earlier occurrence of cognitive change exists. SMC are similar to NC, whereas eMCI fall between the cognitively normal and MCI groups. Amyloid leads to faster conversion and increased cognitive impairment.

Discussion: Analyses support features of the amyloid hypothesis, but also illustrate the considerable heterogeneity in the aging process.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Amyloid cascade hypothesis; Subjective memory complaints.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Amyloid / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / etiology
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Memory Disorders / etiology
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Neuroimaging / methods*

Substances

  • Amyloid