Amygdala Nuclei Atrophy in Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Insights from High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Cognitive impairment affects memory, reasoning, and problem-solving, with early detection being critical for effective management. The amygdala, a key structure in emotional processing and memory, may play a pivotal role in detecting cognitive decline. T...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Medicina |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/1/130 |
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| Summary: | <i>Background and Objectives:</i> Cognitive impairment affects memory, reasoning, and problem-solving, with early detection being critical for effective management. The amygdala, a key structure in emotional processing and memory, may play a pivotal role in detecting cognitive decline. This study examines differences in amygdala nuclei volumes in patients with varying levels of cognitive performance to evaluate its potential as a biomarker. <i>Material and methods:</i> This cross-sectional study of 35 participants was conducted and classified into three groups: the normal (≥26), moderate (15–25), and low (≤14) cognitive performance groups based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 T scanner was used to assess amygdala nuclei volumes. <i>Results:</i> Significant amygdala atrophy was observed in multiple amygdala nuclei across cognitive performance groups, with more pronounced changes in the low-performance group. The right hemisphere nuclei, including the lateral and basal nuclei, showed more significant differences, indicating their sensitivity to cognitive decline. <i>Conclusions:</i> This study highlights the potential of amygdala nuclei atrophy as a biomarker for cognitive impairment. Additional research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is needed to confirm these findings and determine their diagnostic value. |
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| ISSN: | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |