Neuroimaging in Dementia

Semin Neurol. 2017 Oct;37(5):510-537. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1608808. Epub 2017 Dec 5.

Abstract

Although the diagnosis of dementia still is primarily based on clinical criteria, neuroimaging is playing an increasingly important role. This is in large part due to advances in techniques that can assist with discriminating between different syndromes. Magnetic resonance imaging remains at the core of differential diagnosis, with specific patterns of cortical and subcortical changes having diagnostic significance. Recent developments in molecular PET imaging techniques have opened the door for not only antemortem but early, even preclinical, diagnosis of underlying pathology. This is vital, as treatment trials are underway for pharmacological agents with specific molecular targets, and numerous failed trials suggest that earlier treatment is needed. This article provides an overview of classic neuroimaging findings as well as new and cutting-edge research techniques that assist with clinical diagnosis of a range of dementia syndromes, with an emphasis on studies using pathologically proven cases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dementia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dementia / pathology
  • Dementia / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology
  • Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / pathology
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / physiopathology
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*