Diffusion tensor imaging in familial Alzheimer's disease: Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of early change

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Diagnosis of Alzheimer‘s disease, the most common form of dementia, is difficult in its earlier stages. A number of different brain scanning techniques have recently been developed which may pick up very early changes in these individuals. One of these techniques is called diffusion imaging. This examines the microscopic structure of brain tissue, non-invasively. It also allows assessment of connections between parts of the brain - so called white matter tracts. Diffusion imaging therefore allows not just the assessment of how particular areas of brain may be degenerating, but also how the connections between areas are being affected. Familial Alzheimer‘s disease is a rare form of Alzheimer‘s where the disease is inherited at a young age. Individuals from families with known genetic mutations have generously agreed to take part in prospective longitudinal studies. We propose to study individuals who are well, but who are at known risk of developing Alzheimer‘s disease. This will allow us to acquire high resolution brain scans, including this new technique of diffusion imaging in conjunction with detailed clinical and psychological assessments. We will examine whether this technique detects early changes and how this matches with the onset and progression of clinical cognitive problems.