Identifying Brain Connectivity Using Network-Based Statistics in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Stratified by β-Amyloid Positivity

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to identify white matter structural networks of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) dichotomized by β amyloid (Aβ) status and compare them using network-based statistics (NBS).

Methods: Patients underwent whole-brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, detailed neuropsychological test and [¹⁸F]-Florbetaben amyloid positron emission tomography. We performed the NBS analysis to compare the whole-brain white matter structural networks extracted from diffusion tensor images.

Results: One hundred sixteen participants (Aβ- cognitively normal [CN], n = 35; Aβ- aMCI, n = 42; Aβ+ aMCI, n = 39) were included. There was no subnetwork showing significant difference between Aβ+ aMCI and Aβ- aMCI. However, by comparing each aMCI group with control group, we found that supplementary motor areas were common hub regions. Intriguingly, Aβ+ aMCI showed reduced connectivity mainly in the medial frontal regions, while Aβ- aMCI showed somewhat uniform disruption when compared to CN.

Conclusion: Structural network analysis using network-based approach in aMCI may shed light on further understanding of white matter disruption in the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; mild cognitive impairment; neural network; β amyloid peptide.