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MR Elastography Reveals Lower Hippocampal Stiffness in Middle-Aged APOE ε4 Carriers Without Cognitive Impairment

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Motivation: Brain tissue softening is well documented in dementia populations. However, preclinical changes to tissue mechanical properties are currently unknown, despite the impact it may have on Alzheimer's disease (AD) development through mechanobiological signalling pathways. Goal(s): To establish whether brain mechanical properties differ in asymptomatic individuals who may be in the preclinical stages of AD. Approach: Apply validated, high-resolution MR elastography methods to cognitively unimpaired, middle-aged APOE-ε4 carriers and APOE-ε3 homozygotes. Results: Lower hippocampal tissue stiffness was observed in APOE-ε4 carriers relative to APOE-ε3 homozygotes, despite the absence of cognitive impairment. There was also a trend to suggest higher thalamus stiffness in APOE-ε4 carriers. Impact: MR elastography is a valuable tool for studying at-risk populations. Future research should determine if preclinical changes in tissue mechanics influence Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Findings also have broader implications for precision medicine and risk stratification in dementia research.

Source: Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition

DOI: 10.58530/2025/0791

Authors: Lucy Hiscox, Bradley Karat, Louisa Wood, Robert Davis, Anne Corbett, Claudia Metzler-Baddeley, Curtis Johnson, Derek Jones

Language: English

Topic: Ultrasound Imaging and Elastography

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4414236269

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