Background: This study investigates how T(1)-weighted MRI can be used to evaluate brain anatomical changes. We investigated these changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal aging.
Methods: A semiquantitative brain atrophy and lesion index (BALI) was constructed by adapting existing visual rating scales and validated in 3 datasets.
Results: The T(1)- and T(2)-weighted-imaging-based scores were highly correlated. They were both closely associated with age and with cognitive test scores.
Conclusion: The T(1)-based BALI helps describe brain structural variability in AD, mild cognitive impairment and normal aging.
Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.