Increased Cortical Thickness in Alzheimer's Disease

• DOI: 10.1002/ana.26894
• Publication Date: 2024-02-24T12:24:56Z
• Authors: Tony X. Phan; Sheena Baratono; William Drew; Aaron M. Tetreault; Michael D. Fox; R. Ryan Darby
• Keywords: Posterior cortical atrophy

Objective Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have diffuse brain atrophy, but some regions, such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), are spared and may even show increase in size compared to controls. The extent, clinical significance, mechanisms associated increased cortical thickness AD remain unknown. Recent work suggested neural facilitation of regions anticorrelated atrophied frontotemporal dementia. Here, we aim determine whether occurs sporadic AD, it relates symptoms, occur functionally connected to—but with—locations atrophy. Methods Cross‐sectional clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging data from Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were analyzed investigate subjects versus Atrophy network mapping was used identify locations Results patients showed ACC a region‐of‐interest analysis visual an exploratory analysis. Increased left preserved cognitive function, while hallucinations. Finally, found that to, with, atrophy ( r = −0.81, p < 0.05). Interpretation Our results suggest is relevant symptoms preferentially areas Implications for models compensatory neuroplasticity response neurodegeneration discussed. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:929–940