Synergism between fornix microstructure and beta amyloid accelerates memory decline in clinically normal older adults.

ABSTRACT: The fornix is the primary efferent white matter tract of the hippocampus and is implicated in episodic memory. In this study, we investigated whether baseline measures of altered fornix microstructure and elevated beta amyloid (Aβ) burden influence prospective cognitive decline. A secondary goal examined whether Aβ burden is negatively associated with fornix microstructure. 253 clinically normal older adults underwent diffusion-weighted imaging and Pittsburgh Compound B positron emission tomography at baseline. We applied a novel streamline tractography protocol to reconstruct a fornix bundle in native space. Cognition was measured annually in domains of episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed (median follow-up = 4.0 ± 1.4 years). After controlling for covariates, linear

SUBMITTER: Rabin JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6732225 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature