Neurology
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To assess the sensitivity and specificity of 3D double inversion recovery (DIR) MRI for detecting multiple sclerosis (MS) cortical lesions (CLs) using a direct postmortem MRI to histopathology comparison. ⋯ In this postmortem verification study, we have shown that 3D DIR is highly pathologically specific, and more sensitive to CLs than 3D FLAIR in MS.
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Cerebral microbleeds are frequently found in the general elderly population and may reflect underlying vascular disease, but their role in cognitive function is unknown. ⋯ Presence of numerous microbleeds, especially in a strictly lobar location, is associated with worse performance on tests measuring cognitive function, even after adjustments for vascular risk factors and other imaging markers of small vessel disease. These results suggest an independent role for microbleed-associated vasculopathy in cognitive impairment.
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To determine the relationship between β-amyloid (Aβ) load as measured by [(11)C]-Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET and cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults. ⋯ There is a modest association between PiB retention and cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults and this relationship between Aβ load and cognitive function is modified by APOE status. Whereas Aβ load is associated with greater cognitive impairment in APOE ε4 carriers, the cognitive function in APOE ε4 noncarriers is influenced less by the Aβ load, suggesting that APOE isoforms modulate the harmful effects of Aβ on cognitive function.