Striatal Abnormalities in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (P05.043)

Abstract

Objective: To assess morphological differences in the accumbens (NAcc) and caudate (NCau) nuclei in patients with early-onset (EOAD) and late-onset (LOAD) Alzheimer9s Disease (AD). Background Recent studies of familial AD suggest that the striatum is one of the first regions affected by the disease. However, there is conflicting evidence whether these regions are affected in typical AD (Madsen et al., 2010; deJong et al., 2008; Looi et al., 2010). Here we aimed to characterize striatum abnormalities in sporadic AD using an accurate surface mapping approach and taking into account age at onset, as this factor is known to influence disease phenotype. Design/Methods: The NAcc and NCau were manually segmented in 18 EOAD (age: 63+5SD, MMSE: 20+4SD) and 18 LOAD (age: 78+5, MMSE: 21+4) patients, and in 1:1 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (n=18 young, YC; n=18 elderly, EC). 3D parametric surface models for the NAcc and NCau were created using the UCLA shape analysis technique. Differences in the shape and volume of the nuclei were investigated between EOAD and YC, and LOAD and EC. Results: NAcc volumes were reduced in LOAD compared with EC (p 0.12). Conclusions: Striatal abnormalities in sporadic AD are suggestive of neurodegeneration and morphological reorganization. The involvement of the NAcc in LOAD suggests that these changes might relate to limbic system atrophy - a typical feature in LOAD. Shape differences in the NCau may represent morphological changes due to ventricular enlargement. Disclosure: Dr. Pievani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bocchetta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boccardi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Galluzzi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bonetti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thompson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Frisoni has received personal compensation for activities Eli Lilly & Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bayer Healthcare, Lundbeck Research USA, Inc., Elan Corporation, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc, Baxter, Taurx, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Frisoni has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Lancet Neurology, Aging Clinical & Experimental Research, Neurobiology of Aging, Alzheimer9s Diseases and Associated Disorders, and Neurogenerative Diseases. Dr. Frisoni has received research support from Wyeth Corporation, Eli Lilly & Company, Lundbeck Research USA, Inc.