Neuroanatomical correlates of unawareness of memory deficits in early Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Background/aims: To investigate neuroanatomical substrates of unawareness of memory deficits in patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: We compared regional perfusion deficits between AD patients with awareness (n = 19) and unawareness (n = 19). SPECT data were analyzed by statistical brain imaging method.

Results: Statistical maps demonstrated a more extensive and severe reduction in perfusion in the unaware group than in the aware group. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a significant difference between the groups in the right subcallosal, anterior cingulate and cingulate gyri and left orbital, subcallosal, and anterior cingulate gyri.

Conclusion: Functional damage to the inferior, medial and orbital frontal lobes as well as the anterior cingulate gyri may be associated with the lack of awareness in patients with early AD.