Amyloid accumulation, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline in emergent Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Emergent Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a transitional stage where cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals exhibit subthreshold but increasing amyloid-β (Aβ) levels. The impact of Aβ accumulation on brain volume loss and cognition during this early stage remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 408 CU participants who were initially Aβ- (< 15 Centiloids) and followed for up to 15 years. Changes in basal forebrain and hippocampal volume, along with domain-specific cognitive performance, were compared between those who progressed to Aβ+ (≥20 Centiloids) and those who remained Aβ-.

Results

Sixty-five CU participants progressed to Aβ+, indicating emergent AD, and showed faster Aβ accumulation and subtle memory decline.

SUBMITTER: Xia Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12305117 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul-Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature