S Viola1, P Viola, M P Buongarzone, L Fiorelli, P Litterio. 1. Department of Neurology, Dementia Assessment Unit, S. Pio Hospital, via C. De Lellis, 66054 Vasto (CH), Italy. stefano.viola@email.it
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) parameters as potential markers for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). METHODS: By means of NIRS and TCD, noninvasive and inexpensive technologies, we studied 21 patients with aMCI (10 M and 11 F, 70.2 ± 7.3 years) and 10 age matched healthy controls. RESULTS: By means of NIRS, we found a significant mean decrease of tissue oxygen saturation of cortex microcirculation (TOI), - 27%, p < 0.0005, on the temporal-parietal cortex of both side compared to the controls. By means of TCD, we found a significant mean increase of pulsatility index (PI), p < 0.0007, of middle cerebral artery (MCA) of both side compared to the controls. Cerebrovascular risk factors were present in 81% of the aMCI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that the TOI reduction on the temporal-parietal cortex of both side and the increase of PI in both MCA are associated with a clinical diagnosis of aMCI patients. SIGNIFICANCE: The reduction of TOI may be considered a new marker for aMCI, especially when combined with the increase of PI in MCA.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) parameters as potential markers for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). METHODS: By means of NIRS and TCD, noninvasive and inexpensive technologies, we studied 21 patients with aMCI (10 M and 11 F, 70.2 ± 7.3 years) and 10 age matched healthy controls. RESULTS: By means of NIRS, we found a significant mean decrease of tissue oxygen saturation of cortex microcirculation (TOI), - 27%, p < 0.0005, on the temporal-parietal cortex of both side compared to the controls. By means of TCD, we found a significant mean increase of pulsatility index (PI), p < 0.0007, of middle cerebral artery (MCA) of both side compared to the controls. Cerebrovascular risk factors were present in 81% of the aMCIpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that the TOI reduction on the temporal-parietal cortex of both side and the increase of PI in both MCA are associated with a clinical diagnosis of aMCIpatients. SIGNIFICANCE: The reduction of TOI may be considered a new marker for aMCI, especially when combined with the increase of PI in MCA.