Effect of Aging on Hippocampal Formation in Normal Human Brains: MRI Study.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: *Objectives: We aimed to build a reference for hippocampal volume in the general population using 3D MRI brain. *Background: The hippocampus, a complex structure with distinct subfields, is involved in memory functions and affected by Alzheimer's disease, aging, and epilepsy. The hippocampal complex is involved in aging processes and volume loss. MRI scans can identify subtle neural damage, but existing knowledge on the anatomical variability and effects of development, aging, and disease on hippocampal subfields is limited. *Patients and methods: The study analyzed hippocampal volume in 105 healthy subjects aged 21-75. Results: Group 3 (43-53 years) had the biggest volume, followed by groups 1 (21-31 years) and 2 (32-42 years). The older age groups reported the lowest volume. In 96 healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 69, the study also discovered substantial negative relationships between age and hippocampus volume. The left and right subiculum had the most noticeable atrophy rates. In older patients, automated hippocampus volume measures are highly reliable; their intraclass correlation is 0.94, whereas manual tracing's is 0.99. Because it is quicker and less prone to rater bias, this approach is especially helpful for examining hippocampus alterations in aging studies, building on earlier research on young adults. *Conclusion: There was a strong correlation between age and hippocampus volume. Additionally, the right hippocampal volume was much greater than the left. Significant correlations between age and hippocampal regions were found in subiculum and CA1 regions.
Authors: Asmaa Reda Hawas, Samir Ahmed Hamed Malik, Ahmed Yahia Ahmed Ashour, Marwa Abdelhafeiz Mahfoz Alanany
Institution: Al-Azhar University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $150
OpenAlex ID: W4411821386
