Study brain asymmetries are an early indication for Alzheimer's

Dementia disease affects the symmetry of the brain hemispheres
It has long been known that brain structures in dementia sufferers such as Alzheimer's are severely impaired. Scientists at the Ludwig Maximillians University (LMU) Munich have now demonstrated for the first time that the brain structures in dementia change asymmetrically. The asymmetries between the two hemispheres could therefore be a biomarker for the early detection of diseases.

In the course of Alzheimer's disease, a loss of brain tissue occurs. In particular, the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and emotional processing, is affected. The research team led by neuroscientist Professor Christian Wachinger from LMU "has now for the first time specifically investigated how the shape of structures in the brain in dementia changes," according to the LMU. The researchers published their results in the journal "Brain".

Alzheimer's leads to an asymmetry in the brain, which is recognizable early. (Image: Nomad_Soul / fotolia.com)

Analysis of brain structures using "BrainPrint"
Together with Dr. Reuter from the Marinos Center of the Massachusetts General Hospital, the Munich researchers analyzed magnetic resonance imaging images from a large multi-center study. Both patients and persons without complaints participated in the study, the LMU reports. To analyze the brain structures, the researchers used the computer program "BrainPrint" developed by them.

Asymmetries are recognizable early on
The analysis showed that the asymmetries were greatest in "those whose dementia was furthest advanced and lowest in healthy participants," reports the LMU. According to study leader Wachinger "the extent of asymmetries in the brain structures at an early stage could be a biomarker that can predict the further development of the disease." The study has shown that the asymmetries between the two hemispheres arise early on.

Extent of asymmetry Note on the severity of dementia
"Our research shows for the first time that the hippocampal and amygdala asymmetries in Alzheimer's disease are increasing, indicating the progression of the disease," said the professor of neurobiological research at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and the Psychotherapy of LMU. This finding could play a significant role in diagnosing the disease in the future. "However, we need to better understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for causing the asymmetries," added Professor Wachinger. (Fp)