Author Date

2024-06-07

Degree Name

Department

Neuroscience

College

Life Sciences

Defense Date

2024-05-29

Publication Date

2024-06-07

First Faculty Advisor

Derin Cobia

First Faculty Reader

Stefania Ashby

Honors Coordinator

Rebekka Matheson

Keywords

Alzheimer's, Neurodegeneration, Amyloid, Neuroimaging, Memory

Abstract

Memory consolidation and metabolism are known to differ between amyloid-beta plaque positive (A+) and negative (A-) amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia participants despite similar medial temporal lobe (MTL) volume between groups. Using high-dimensional surface analysis (shape characterization), this study identified structural differences in the medial temporal lobe between A+ aMCI, A+ AD dementia, and amyloid-negative (A-) healthy control groups (CON), specifically in the CA1 and subiculum regions of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Additionally, regional brain surface-based features were correlated with procedural and episodic memory measures, finding positive associations between CA1 integrity and episodic memory in both A+ participant groups, and a negative correlation between CA1 and procedural memory retention specifically in aMCI participants. The entorhinal cortex also showed correlations with episodic and procedural learning in AD.