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

Laurel A. Beckett, Michael C. Donohue, Cathy Wang, Paul Aisen, Danielle J. Harvey, Naomi Saito
2015 Alzheimer's & Dementia  
INTRODUCTION-The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a multi-site 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 to normal controls,
more » ... I 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 normal controls, while 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; subjective memory complaints; amyloid cascade hypothesis * Data used in preparation of this article were obtained from the Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database (adni.loni.usc.edu). As such, the investigators within the ADNI contributed to the design and implementation of ADNI and/or provided data but did not participate in analysis or writing of this report. A complete listing of ADNI investigators can be found at: Long-term trajectories from least affected (0 th percentile) to most affected (100 th percentile), estimated for high-risk and low-risk patients, from age 50 to 90. Beckett et al.
doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2015.05.004 pmid:26194315 pmcid:PMC4510463 fatcat:d6u3dg3dqzasbeeeioud7jed3q