Spect-neuropsychology correlations in very mild Alzheimer's disease and amnesic mild cognitive impairment

Preclinical Cognitive Markers of Alzheimer Disease and Early Diagnosis Using Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence: Literature Review

Background

This review explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify preclinical cognitive markers of Alzheimer disease (AD). By synthesizing recent studies, it aims to advance early diagnostic methods to detect AD before significant symptoms occur.

Objective

Research emphasizes the significance of early detection in AD during the preclinical phase, which does not involve cognitive impairment but nevertheless requires reliable biomarkers. Current biomarkers face challenges, prompting the exploration of cognitive behavior indicators beyond episodic memory.

Methods

Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies on neuropsychiatric disorders utilizing conversational data.

Results

Following an analysis of 38 selected articles, we highlight verbal episodic memory as a sensitive preclinical AD marker, with supporting evidence from neuroimaging and genetic profiling. Executive functions precede memory decline, while processing speed is a significant correlate. The potential of VR remains underexplored, and AI algorithms offer a multidimensional approach to early neurocognitive disorder diagnosis.

Conclusions

Emerging technologies like VR and AI show promise for preclinical diagnostics, but thorough validation and regulation for clinical safety and efficacy are necessary. Continued technological advancements are expected to enhance early detection and management of AD.

Beyond the bipolar disorder diagnosis: Hypothalamus and its network damage in determining neuropsychiatric and Korsakoff-like memory disorders

Craniopharyngiomas (CP's) are hypothalamic tumors often associated with psychological disorders. Nevertheless, its diagnosis is still challenging when psychiatric disorders are not associated with any other neurological symptoms. This single-case study describes a patient with a history of bipolar disorder before a diagnosis of a large CP arising the sellar and suprasellar region was posed. At the time of the present study the patient showed emotional/behavioral disorders and Korsakoff-like amnesia, that completely recovered after surgical resection of the tumor. This is one of those few cases described in literature, who presented cognitive/behavioral disorders because the compression of the diencephalic structures due to CP mass effect. This case offers further evidence on the functional neuroanatomy of the hypothalamus and its pathways.