Low episodic memory performance in cognitively normal elderly subjects is associated with increased posterior cingulate gray matter N-acetylaspartate: a 1H MRSI study at 7 Tesla

Simon J. Schreiner, Thomas Kirchner, Michael Wyss, Jiri M.G. Van Bergen, Frances C. Quevenco, Stefanie C. Steininger, Erica Y. Griffith, Irene Meier, Lars Michels, Anton F. Gietl, Sandra E. Leh, Adam M. Brickman, Christoph Hock, Roger M. Nitsch, Klaas P. Pruessmann, Anke Henning, Paul G. Unschuld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Low episodic memory performance characterizes elderly subjects at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may reflect neuronal dysfunction within the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus (PCP) region. To investigate a potential association between cerebral neurometabolism and low episodic memory in the absence of cognitive impairment, tissue-specific magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at ultrahigh field strength of 7 Tesla was used to investigate the PCP region in a healthy elderly study population (n = 30, age 70 ± 5.7 years, Mini–Mental State Examination 29.4 ± 4.1). The Verbal Learning and Memory Test (VLMT) was administered as part of a neuropsychological battery for assessment of episodic memory performance. Significant differences between PCP gray and white matter could be observed for glutamate-glutamine (p = 0.001), choline (p = 0.01), and myo-inositol (p = 0.02). Low Verbal Learning and Memory Test performance was associated with high N-acetylaspartate in PCP gray matter (p = 0.01) but not in PCP white matter. Our data suggest that subtle decreases in episodic memory performance in the elderly may be associated with increased levels of N-acetylaspartate as a reflection of increased mitochondrial energy capacity in PCP gray matter.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)195-203
Number of pages9
JournalNeurobiology of Aging
Volume48
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 7 Tesla
  • Aging
  • Episodic memory
  • Human subjects
  • Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
  • Posterior cingulate

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Aging
  • General Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology

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